The measles outbreak in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has gotten worse, with almost 9,000 cases since last year. In January alone, there were 597 new cases confirmed.
The areas most affected by this rise in measles cases are the communities on the outskirts of the city and densely populated areas, say health officials.
Dr. Jombo Okoli, who works as the Medical Activity Manager at the Gwange Primary Health Clinic in Maiduguri for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), explained that measles is spreading rapidly throughout the city.
He said measles is very contagious, especially among children. Last year, there were over 6,000 cases reported, and this year, already about 800 cases have been recorded.
During a recent visit to the clinic, more children with suspected measles were brought in. Dr. Okoli mentioned that around 2,000 patients, most of them children with severe conditions, have been admitted and treated, with many of them already discharged.
He described how measles usually starts with symptoms like fever, runny nose, and cough, which last for about four days before the characteristic rash appears on the face as a second stage.
Dr. Okoli emphasized the importance of parents and guardians taking their children to nearby health facilities for immediate attention.
He warned that although measles is preventable, it can lead to serious health problems, including malnutrition due to loss of appetite.
Measles can affect various parts of the body and is spread through the air by droplets from coughs or sneezes of infected persons.
According to MSF, in January alone, 597 cases were reported, with 184 of them requiring admission due to complications.
The death rate stands at one percent, which is still concerning for an easily preventable disease.
