Measles in Chad

08 Apr 2014

A large outbreak of measles in N'djamena, the capital city of Chad, has been reported by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). The reactive immunisation campaign that was completed one month ago has not had the desired affect; MSF continue to see high numbers of cases in their treatment centres. Since the beginning of January 2014, 2511 cases have been recorded in the city. MSF is urging the Ministry of Health for Chad to launch a further immunisation campaign.

MSF is conducting an immunisation campaign in response to a measles outbreak in Massakory district in Hadjer Lamis, northeast of N'djamena.

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.