By Alusine Sesay
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has confirmed a measles outbreak in Sierra Leone, recording 41 cases across eight districts between January and April 2026. Officials warn that Western Area Urban (Freetown) is the most severely affected, with 15 cases, including nine in April alone — a sharp escalation that signals active community transmission.
Highly Contagious and Dangerous
Measles, a viral disease spread through coughing, sneezing, or close contact, poses serious risks to young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Health authorities stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection.
Public Advisory
The NPHA and MoH are urging citizens to:
- Seek medical care immediately if symptoms such as fever, rash, red eyes, cough, or runny nose appear.
- Vaccinate children with the two free doses available at government health facilities.
- Keep sick children at home and away from schools or crowded places.
- Avoid self-medication or traditional remedies, which do not cure measles.
- Report suspected cases by calling the toll-free 117 line or visiting the nearest health facility.
Government Response
The Government of Sierra Leone, through NPHA and MoH, is deploying field teams in Western Area Urban and affected districts to identify and treat cases; conducting ring vaccination around confirmed cases to halt transmission; strengthening infection prevention and control measures at health facilities; and providing transparent updates as investigations continue.
Reassurance to the Public
Executive Director of NPHA, Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, emphasized that “there is no cause for panic.” He assured citizens that measles is both preventable and treatable, and that early medical care saves lives. Communities are urged to cooperate with health authorities to protect families and curb the outbreak.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viral diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and despite the availability of a safe vaccine, it continues to cause tens of thousands of deaths annually, mostly among unvaccinated children under five.
Highly Contagious Virus
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes nearby.
Up to 90% of non-immune people exposed will become infected.
Global Burden
Before vaccines (introduced in 1963), measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.
Between 2000 and 2024, vaccination prevented nearly 59 million deaths worldwide.
In 2024, measles still caused 95,000 deaths globally, mostly among unvaccinated children under five.
Symptoms
Appear 10–14 days after exposure.
Early signs: high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the cheeks.
Rash begins on the face/neck, spreads to the body, and lasts 5–6 days before fading.