In Nigeria’s northeastern state of Adamawa, a measles outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 42 individuals in just over a week, as reported by the state’s health commissioner, Felix Tangwami.
Tangwami disclosed that the outbreak has predominantly impacted two local government areas, with close to 200 suspected cases identified. Immediate measures have been taken, including the distribution of measles vaccines and containment efforts by field teams.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, primarily affects children under five years old and can be prevented with two doses of vaccine. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and characteristic rashes and bumps.
Since 2000, over 50 million deaths from measles have been prevented through vaccinations, according to the World Health Organization. However, challenges such as widespread insecurity in northern Nigeria have hindered vaccination campaigns, leaving children at risk.
The impact of armed groups like Boko Haram, displacing over two million people since 2009, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. Additionally, criminal gangs in the northwest have worsened security concerns.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted health systems and vaccination programs, leading to a rise in measles cases. Doctors Without Borders highlighted the struggle to achieve the necessary vaccination rates, resulting in a significant increase in measles patients treated last year.
Accessing rural communities for healthcare services remains a challenge, as noted by Jombo Tochukwu-Okoli, MSF medical activity manager at the Gwange facility.
Link from www.aljazeera.com