The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed an increase in suspected cases of measles and cerebrospinal meningitis across the country.
Between January and March 2024, a total of 7,842 suspected measles cases were reported from 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory with 60.38% of these cases coming from seven states: Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Katsina, Osun, Lagos, and Ogun. Of these suspected cases, 4,020 (52.35%) were confirmed, with 2,876 (71.54%) of the confirmed cases affecting children aged 9-59 months.
Tragically, 39 deaths were recorded among confirmed measles cases, with a case fatality rate of 0.97%.
Furthermore, 77.98% of the confirmed cases had not received any dose of measles vaccine.
“Of the suspected cases reported, 4,020 (52.35 per cent) were confirmed (990 lab-confirmed, 1,029 epi-linked and 2,001 clinically compatible), 654 (8.51 per cent) were discarded and 3,005 (39.13 per cent) were pending classification.
“The age group nine – 59 months accounted for 2,876 (71.54 per cent) of all confirmed cases.
“A total of 39 deaths (CFR = 0.97 per cent) were recorded among confirmed cases. Up to 3,135 (77.98 per cent) of the 4,020 confirmed cases did not receive any dose of measles vaccine (zero doses),” the report read in part.
Regarding CSM, the NCDC reported 4,266 suspected cases and 339 deaths across 23 states and the FCT since the beginning of the 2023/2024 season.
Five states – Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Gombe, and Katsina – accounted for 94% of the suspected and confirmed cases.
In response to these outbreaks, the NCDC is working with affected states to implement response activities. Additionally, Nigeria recently became the first country to roll out the new Men5CV vaccine, which protects against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.
This vaccine and emergency vaccination activities are funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The World Health Organisation has noted a 50% increase in annual meningitis cases reported across Africa last year, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat these outbreaks.
