By Foday Moriba Conteh
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has alerted the public to a measles outbreak in Sierra Leone, with 41 confirmed cases recorded across eight districts between January and April 2026.
According to a Press Release issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, health authorities disclosed that the outbreak has raised serious concern due to the rapid increase in infections, particularly in the Western Area Urban district, which has emerged as the most affected area with 15 confirmed cases. Authorities also revealed that nine new cases were recorded in April alone, signaling active community transmission.
The NPHA described measles as a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes nearby. The Agency warned that the disease can lead to severe illness and even death, especially among young children, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, rash, cough, runny nose or red watery eyes develop.
Health officials emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles and encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the two free doses of the measles vaccine available at Government health facilities nationwide.
The Agency further advised parents to keep sick children at home and avoid sending them to school or crowded places in order to reduce transmission. Citizens were also cautioned against self-medication and the use of traditional remedies, noting that such practices do not treat measles.
As part of ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the NPHA and the Ministry of Health, has deployed field teams to affected communities, particularly in the Western Area Urban district, to identify and treat cases.
Authorities disclosed that ring vaccination exercises are currently being conducted around confirmed cases to interrupt transmission, while infection prevention and control measures are being strengthened across health facilities.
The Government also assured the public of continuous updates as investigations and response efforts progress.
Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, reassured citizens that there is no cause for panic, stressing that measles is preventable and treatable when detected early.
Health authorities are encouraging the public to cooperate fully with healthcare workers and promptly report suspected cases to the nearest health facility or by calling the toll-free emergency number 117.
