Nigeria has recorded 109 deaths from measles in the first seven months of 2026, with thousands of confirmed infections reported across the country as health authorities continue efforts to contain outbreaks of the highly contagious disease.
Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), contained in its measles situation report, showed that 9,308 suspected measles cases were recorded across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory between January and July 2026.
Of the suspected cases, 7,713 were confirmed, representing 82.86 per cent, while 522 cases were discarded and 1,073 remained pending. The report put the case fatality ratio at 1.41 per cent, with 109 deaths recorded during the period.
The outbreak has affected 71 local government areas across 14 states, while 611 LGAs across the country reported at least one suspected case during the period.
The situation has raised renewed concerns over vaccination coverage, particularly among young children who remain the most vulnerable to serious complications from measles.
According to the NCDC data, children aged nine to 59 months accounted for 58.67 per cent of confirmed measles cases recorded in 2026, showing that children below five years remain disproportionately affected by the disease.
Northern states record heavier burden
The northern part of the country recorded the larger share of infections, with 7,268 suspected cases and 6,601 confirmed cases during the period under review.
Six northern states — Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Katsina and Kebbi — accounted for 62.82 per cent of all suspected cases reported nationwide.
Borno recorded the highest number of suspected cases at 2,673, of which 2,660 were confirmed. Zamfara recorded 98.7 per cent of its suspected cases as confirmed, while Bauchi and Yobe also recorded confirmation rates above 96 per cent.
The outbreak has, however, not been limited to the northern region.
In the South, 2,040 suspected cases and 1,112 confirmed cases were recorded. Osun had suspected cases in 30 LGAs, with 18 recording confirmed cases, while Lagos recorded suspected cases in 17 LGAs and confirmed infections in 14.
Oyo reported suspected cases in 32 LGAs, although only eight recorded confirmed cases. Delta also recorded a significant burden, with 24 of the 25 LGAs that reported suspected cases recording confirmed infections.
Despite the spread, the NCDC said 65 LGAs had ended their measles outbreaks by July 31, indicating that surveillance and outbreak-response measures have succeeded in bringing some clusters under control.
Measles remains a major public health concern because it spreads extremely easily among people who are not immune. The World Health Organisation describes it as a highly contagious airborne viral disease that can cause severe illness and death, particularly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children.
The disease commonly begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body. Severe cases can result in complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, dehydration and inflammation of the brain.
Vaccination remains the most effective way of preventing measles. WHO says the availability of a safe and effective vaccine has prevented millions of deaths globally, although outbreaks continue where vaccination coverage is insufficient.
Nigeria has continued to strengthen measles and rubella immunisation efforts. Earlier this year, the country launched the second phase of a vaccination campaign targeting 43 million children aged nine months to 15 years across 16 states, including Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa.
The latest figures nevertheless highlight the need for parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children receive their routine vaccinations and that children who missed previous doses are reached through catch-up and supplementary immunisation activities.
The NCDC continues to maintain disease surveillance and publishes regular measles situation reports as part of Nigeria’s efforts to detect outbreaks early and coordinate an effective response.
With more than 7,700 confirmed cases and 109 deaths already recorded in the first seven months of the year, health authorities face the continuing challenge of closing immunity gaps, particularly in communities where access to healthcare and routine vaccination services remains limited.
Leave a Reply