Measles in Nigeria (Borno State)

24 Apr 2019

Media quoting Borno State public health authorities on 21 April 2019 reported there have been 10 000 cases of measles, inclusing 17 deaths in the past 14 weeks. Children are being vaccinated in 15 local government areas of the State in an attempt to control the outbreak.

Advice for Travellers

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection from measles.

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 4 months. Unvaccinated adults who have not had measles themselves should seek advice from a healthcare professional regarding measles vaccination.

For further information see Measles.