Measles outbreak in Morocco: 25,000 cases and 120 deaths reported since September

Morocco is grappling with an unusual measles outbreak, with 25,000 cases and 120 deaths recorded since September 2023, according to health officials.

Mohamed El Youbi, Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, described the situation as an epidemic, citing the unprecedented spread of the disease. “We previously recorded just three to four cases annually, but the current situation has been abnormal since September,” El Youbi told Hespress.

Most fatalities have occurred among children under five and adults over 37, El Youbi said, adding that complications from measles have been fatal for victims across all age groups.

The outbreak has been attributed to a decline in vaccination rates. Morocco had previously achieved a vaccination coverage rate exceeding 95 percent as part of a global eradication goal. However, decreased immunization levels have allowed the virus to spread widely. Measles is transmitted through contact with infected individuals, but vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, El Youbi noted.

The Ministry of Health has launched a plan to restore vaccination coverage to over 95 percent. The initiative includes a four-week extension of an earlier campaign aimed at evaluating vaccination coverage among individuals aged 9 months to 14 years. Outreach efforts are being conducted in schools and health centers.

Health officials are urging individuals who have not completed the two-dose measles vaccination schedule to do so, regardless of their age. “Even in cases of doubt, a third dose can be administered safely,” El Youbi said.

The outbreak meets the criteria for an epidemic, El Youbi confirmed. “An epidemic is defined as an abnormal spread of a virus or disease, and that applies to this situation,” he said.