Official figures show surge in measles cases, with unvaccinated individuals most affected

Morocco is experiencing a rapid increase in measles cases across multiple regions, with infections reported among all age groups, including infants and adults over 30, according to Mohammed El Youbi, Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

The highest infection rates have been recorded in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and Fez-Meknes regions, followed by Rabat-Salé-Kénitra. Casablanca-Settat and parts of Marrakech-Safi have also reported cases, though at a lower rate. The outbreak initially emerged in the Souss-Massa and Drâa-Tafilalet regions before spreading nationwide.

Measles infections have been detected across all age groups, including infants under nine months who are not yet eligible for their first vaccine dose. However, the majority of cases have been concentrated among children aged 18 months to 12 years and adults between 12 and 36 years.

The data shows that 7,633 infections have been recorded in children between 18 months and 11 years, while 6,429 cases have been confirmed among individuals aged 12 to 36 years. Adults over 37 have accounted for 2,028 cases, while 1,893 infections have been recorded in infants under nine months. Additionally, 1,693 cases have been detected in toddlers between nine and 17 months old.

Regarding fatalities, the Ministry of Health reports that 42 percent of deaths have occurred in children under five years old, while 24 percent have been among individuals over 37. The age group between 18 and 36 years has accounted for 15 percent of deaths, while 12 percent have been recorded in children between 5 and 11 years old. Adolescents between 12 and 17 years old represent the remaining 7 percent of fatalities.

El Youbi emphasized that the vast majority of deaths have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, while only a small fraction of fatalities have been reported among those who had received the vaccine. He stressed that these losses could have been prevented, highlighting the crucial role of immunization in controlling the outbreak.

With measles cases continuing to rise, health authorities are urging the public to ensure timely vaccinations. Officials warn that failure to adhere to the national immunization program could lead to further fatalities and a prolonged crisis.