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The media has reported on an outbreak of measles in Afmadow, southern Somalia. Seventy two cases have been recorded, of those 50 are under the age of 5 years.
Measles outbreaks have been occurring in Somalia since February 2014; regions affected include: Benadir, Lower Jubba, Mudug, Nugal and Galbeed. The number of cases recorded during the first months of 2014, is 2300. This compares with 1200 cases during the same time period of 2013.
The increase in measles cases countrywide has been attributed to poor vaccine coverage over the last two years. WHO estimates that vaccine coverage in Somalia is less that 30%.
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.
