Measles in Nigeria

24 Jul 2012

The Ministry of Health has reported that during the first half of the year (2012) a total of 7371 suspected measles cases were recorded nationally, of those, 455 were laboratory confirmed as measles and 102 cases died as a result. In epidemiological week 27, 64 suspected measles cases and no deaths were recorded from 14 states.

An outbreak response strategy has been launched in 72 local government areas across the country.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.