Measles in Nigeria, 2026: 7,713 reported cases so far

1. The outbreak

7,713 cases of measles have been reported in Nigeria in 2026, with counts running to 23 August 2026.

That is already more than the 7,681 reported in the whole of 2025 (1.0 times as many).

Case definition: reported cases. Figures are as reported by the originating public-health authorities and compiled by ENCLAI; they are not modelled estimates.

2. Epidemiology: risk groups, geography and seasonality

Measles is a serious, highly contagious airborne viral disease that can result in severe complications and death.¹ Despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine, an estimated 95 000 measles deaths occurred globally in 2024, predominantly affecting unvaccinated or under vaccinated children under the age of 5 years.¹ Major epidemics, which caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year, occurred approximately every two to three years prior to the introduction of measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination.¹ An estimated 780 000 measles deaths in 2000 were reduced to 95 000 by 2024 through vaccination.¹ In 2025, 84% of children received a first dose of measles vaccine, a figure slightly lower than the 86% recorded in 2019.¹

Measles remains prevalent, especially in regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.¹ Most measles fatalities are concentrated in nations possessing limited per capita incomes or fragile health infrastructures, which face difficulties in providing immunization to every child.¹ The greatest risk for severe measles complications is seen in unvaccinated young children and pregnant persons.¹ Measles-related mortality risk is greatest in children suffering from malnutrition or other conditions that compromise immune function.¹ In nations approaching measles elimination, infections imported from abroad continue to represent a significant source of disease.¹

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000.² Since early 2025, U.S. measles cases have been increasing, and there have been several large outbreaks of more than 50 cases.² Every year, measles infections occur in the United States because unvaccinated travelers get measles while they are in other countries and then travel to the United States.²

Measles remains prevalent, especially in regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.¹ Most measles fatalities are concentrated in nations possessing limited per capita incomes or fragile health infrastructures, which face difficulties in providing immunization to every child.¹ The greatest risk for severe measles complications is seen in unvaccinated young children and pregnant persons.¹ Measles-related mortality risk is greatest in children suffering from malnutrition or other conditions that compromise immune function.¹

3. Significance as a public-health problem

Measles is a serious, highly contagious airborne viral illness that can result in severe complications and death.¹ Globally, an estimated 95 000 measles deaths occurred in 2024, predominantly affecting unvaccinated or under vaccinated children under the age of 5 years.¹ Measles vaccination averted nearly 59 million deaths between 2000 and 2024.¹ An estimated 780 000 measles deaths in 2000 decreased to 95 000 in 2024 due to vaccination.¹ In 2025, 84% of children received a first dose of measles vaccine, a figure slightly lower than the 86% recorded in 2019.¹ Measles remains prevalent, especially in regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.¹ Most measles fatalities happen in nations characterized by low per capita income or inadequate health systems that fail to immunize every child.¹

Two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provide the best protection against measles.² Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.² Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing measles infection and stopping its transmission to others.¹

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000.² Since early 2025, U.S. measles cases have increased, with several large outbreaks involving more than 50 cases.² Measles infections occur annually in the United States when unvaccinated travelers contract the disease abroad and return.²

Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing measles infection and stopping its transmission.¹ Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93% effective.²

Measles is still common, particularly in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.¹ Most measles fatalities happen in nations characterized by low per capita income or inadequate health systems that fail to immunize every child.¹ Routine immunization is interrupted when health infrastructure and services in nations facing or recovering from conflict or natural disasters are damaged.¹

Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing measles infection and stopping its transmission to others.¹ Children under 5 years of age with suspected measles should receive two doses of vitamin A, administered immediately upon diagnosis and again the following day.¹ Vitamin A supplements may also reduce the number of measles deaths.¹

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Measles in Nigeria: live counts and trend · Measles: all countries · Active outbreaks · How we verify