Measles outbreak hits Nasarawa, new cases confirmed

The State Ministry of health has on Tuesday April 22, confirmed a fresh measles outbreak in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of the state.

The health officials made this known during a stakeholder sensitisation meeting held in Lafia with council chairmen and their spouses in attendance.

The outbreak comes ahead of the state’s planned launch of the rubella-measles vaccination campaign slated for October.

They disclosed that the disease now threatens children aged zero to 15 months in affected communities.

Governor Abdullahi Sule said the state would not relent in fighting measles and rubella infections across all local councils.

Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akane, who represented the governor, highlighted the danger of ignoring measles symptoms in children.

According to him, measles and rubella often result in severe health complications, including blindness and death if not treated early.

He said, “In my practice as a doctor, I’ve seen rubella leave many children blind. The disease is real and dangerous.”

Dr. Akane noted that the federal government’s vaccine initiative reflects a strong national commitment to child health and survival.

He assured that Nasarawa would integrate the rubella vaccine into its routine immunisation programmes.

Meanwhile, Health Commissioner Dr. Gaza Gwamna confirmed the outbreak in several Doma communities.

He stated that health workers have been deployed to contain the virus and manage affected patients immediately.

Also speaking, Dr. Usman Iskilu, Executive Secretary of the State Primary HealthCare Agency, commended the governor’s support.

He said Governor Sule’s endorsement of the vaccine programme proves his concern for children’s health across Nasarawa.

Dr. Iskilu explained that the combined measles-rubella vaccine protects against deafness, blindness, brain damage, and heart defects.

He stressed the need for strong government and community backing to ensure the vaccine’s success in the October rollout.

Stakeholders pledged support for the initiative, vowing to raise awareness and mobilise parents to participate fully in the campaign.

The state health authorities urged parents to take advantage of the upcoming vaccination drive to protect their children’s future.

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