‘Zero-dose children drive majority of measles cases in 2025’

Nigeria is grappling with a persistent measles challenge in 2025, as more than 77 per cent of confirmed cases involved children who had not received even a single dose of the measles vaccine, according to the latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). In its Measles Situation Report for November 2025, the agency revealed that of the 19,213 confirmed measles cases reported between January and November, approximately 14,801 were “zero-dose” children—those who had never received routine immunisation against the disease.

The report highlights that children aged 9 to 59 months accounted for nearly half (48.9 per cent) of all confirmed cases, underscoring persistent gaps in Nigeria’s routine immunisation coverage and the urgent need to reach vulnerable populations. Between January and November, the NCDC noted that 26,866 suspected measles cases were recorded nationwide, resulting in 153 deaths, which corresponds to a case fatality rate of 0.8 per cent. While the figure may appear modest, each death is a stark reminder of the disease’s preventable nature.

The burden of measles, the NCDC observed, continues to fall disproportionately on the northern states, which together accounted for more than 80 per cent of confirmed cases. Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, and Kebbi were among the states reporting the highest numbers, reflecting long-standing challenges in healthcare access, routine immunisation, and disease surveillance in the region. “In November 2025 alone, 71 suspected cases were reported across 20 states, with only one confirmed case and no deaths,” the report said, signalling progress in outbreak containment. The agency added that 187 local government areas (LGAs) across 27 states had ended their measles outbreaks by the end of November, while only Eti-Osa in Lagos State had an ongoing outbreak, albeit with no new cases reported during the month.

Despite these successes, the NCDC cautioned that surveillance challenges remain, particularly low blood specimen collection rates, which can delay outbreak detection and response. The agency emphasised that measles is highly contagious but entirely preventable through vaccination, urging parents and caregivers to ensure that all eligible children receive full immunisation according to national schedules. Measles, caused by a virus primarily affecting unvaccinated children, spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Symptoms include fever, cough, and rash, and while many children recover, the disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly in malnourished or immunocompromised children.

Health experts warn that zero-dose children—those who have never received routine vaccines—remain the most vulnerable, not only to contracting measles but also to contributing to its rapid spread within communities. “Every unvaccinated child represents a gap in our collective immunity,” an NCDC spokesperson said, highlighting the need for targeted immunisation campaigns in underserved communities. The report also reflects wider efforts by the NCDC and partner agencies to strengthen routine immunisation and improve outbreak response. Vaccination campaigns, especially in the northern states, have been intensified, with mobile clinics, community engagement, and outreach to hard-to-reach areas forming key strategies.

Experts emphasise that measles prevention requires more than one-off interventions. While outbreak response vaccination is important, sustained routine immunisation is critical. Children who receive all recommended doses of the measles vaccine are highly protected, creating herd immunity that prevents outbreaks from spreading unchecked. The NCDC’s November report serves as both a warning and a reminder: despite progress in containing outbreaks, large numbers of unvaccinated children continue to fuel the spread of measles in Nigeria. Strengthening surveillance, expanding vaccination coverage, and engaging communities remain essential to reducing preventable illness and death.

For parents and caregivers, the message is clear: ensure children receive all recommended vaccines, and report any suspected cases promptly to healthcare authorities. Measles may be highly contagious, but with timely vaccination and vigilant public health measures, it remains entirely preventable. As Nigeria approaches the end of 2025, the challenge remains not just to contain outbreaks but to close the immunisation gap that leaves thousands of children at risk. For the country’s youngest and most vulnerable, timely vaccination is not just protection—it is a lifeline.