Measles Outbreak Spreads Across 21 African Nations, Killing Nearly 500
Kampala, Uganda — A rapidly spreading measles outbreak has now reached 21 African countries, with nearly 500 deaths reported, according to health officials. The highly contagious but preventable disease has surged due to low vaccination rates, conflict, and displacement, leaving thousands of children at risk.
Alarming Case Numbers
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed Friday that 64,741 suspected measles cases have been recorded across the continent, with 1,995 laboratory-confirmed infections. At least 493 deaths have been linked to complications from the virus.
Professor Yap Boum II, Deputy Head of the Africa CDC’s Mpox Response, warned that measles has now surpassed cholera and Mpox as one of the continent’s most widespread infectious disease threats.
DR Congo and Somalia Hardest Hit
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounts for a staggering 72% of all cases and 95% of measles-related deaths. Somalia follows as the second-most affected nation, with outbreaks reported in three of its seven states.
Health experts attribute the crisis in both countries to ongoing instability, mass displacement, and malnutrition—factors that have severely disrupted vaccination campaigns.
“When populations are displaced due to conflict or natural disasters, children miss critical immunizations,” said Boum. “This creates fertile ground for outbreaks.”
Uganda and Stable Nations Also Affected
Even relatively stable countries like Uganda have not been spared. Over the past three months, multiple districts have reported measles cases, including Kagadi, where five children died last month.
Dr. Michael Baganizi, Manager of Uganda’s National Expanded Programme on Immunization (UNEPI), said outbreaks have been recurring since early 2024. By December 2025, five districts in the Karamoja region were battling active infections.
“We see outbreaks whenever three or more cases are confirmed in an area,” Baganizi explained. “Last year alone, 66 Ugandan districts reported outbreaks, with 589 confirmed cases—mostly children under five.”
Vaccine Hesitancy Fuels Crisis
Despite the measles vaccine being widely available and administered at nine months of age, immunization gaps persist. Baganizi estimates that 5-10% of eligible Ugandan children miss vaccinations annually, partly due to misinformation and anti-vaccine sentiments.
Public awareness campaigns struggle to reach remote communities, leaving many parents unaware of the vaccine’s importance.
Other Disease Threats Loom
Measles isn’t the only health crisis plaguing Africa. Cholera, Mpox, Lassa fever, and diphtheria outbreaks are also straining healthcare systems. However, Boum noted that countries have improved their response times, helping to contain some outbreaks faster than in previous years.
Call for Urgent Action
Health officials urge governments and international partners to ramp up vaccination drives, especially in conflict zones and refugee camps. Without immediate intervention, measles could continue spreading, endangering millions of unvaccinated children.
— Reported by Nexio News
