Measles outbreak in Nigeria: 7,713 confirmed cases, 109 deaths Jan-July 2026
Between January and July 2026, Nigeria recorded 9,308 suspected measles cases across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 7,713 confirmed and 109 deaths, giving a case fatality ratio of 1.41 percent, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The burden was nationwide, with 611 local government areas reporting at least one suspected case and measles outbreaks confirmed in 71 LGAs across 14 states. Children aged nine to 59 months made up 58.67 percent of confirmed cases. Borno state had the highest number of suspected cases at 2,673, followed by Zamfara with 1,157 and Yobe with 792, together accounting for more than half of the national total.
The NCDC has identified surveillance and data reporting as challenges, noting the need to harmonise state and laboratory data, ensure timely reporting, and strengthen follow‑up in outbreak areas. As of end‑July, the agency was conducting outbreak‑response activities, including surveillance engagement, developing supplementary immunisation plans for measles and rubella, and testing samples through reference laboratories.
While a separate measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed over 1,100 people since March 2026 due to declining vaccination coverage, the Nigerian situation underscores the importance of maintaining routine immunisation and participating in any supplemental vaccination campaigns announced by health authorities to protect children and prevent further spread.