Morocco - Measles outbreak 2024-2025

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The Ministry of Health reports an increase in measles cases, recalls the importance of vaccination

March 4, 2024

Rabat - The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reported, Monday, an increase in measles cases in Morocco, noting that the epidemiological monitoring measures deployed and vaccination campaigns have made it possible to contain the spread of the disease. disease in two provinces.

As part of its communication policy, the ministry informs citizens that an increase in cases of measles has been recorded in Morocco in a global context marked by an epidemic outbreak of this disease and its spread in several regions, particularly in Europe, in Africa and the United States, the ministry said in a press release.

Nationally, a significant increase in measles cases has been observed since mid-September, particularly in the Souss-Massa region, specifies the same source, noting that immediately afterwards, the ministry, through its services regional and provincial, took a series of field measures relating to the strengthening of epidemiological monitoring and vaccination campaigns, which made it possible to contain the spread of measles, the cases recorded in recent weeks being concentrated in the provinces alone. of Taroudant and Chtouka Ait Baha.

The ministry notes, in this regard, that epidemiological investigations in the field have noted a drop in demand for vaccination in several urban areas, which has favored the spread of the virus and the emergence of epidemic outbreaks.

Recalling that vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing many infectious diseases, including measles, the ministry urges parents to respect the vaccination schedule adopted as part of the National Immunization Program, which provides for the administration of two doses against measles in the ninth and eighteenth months, recommending that they go to the nearest health facility in case of symptoms of the disease (rash accompanied by fever) to receive appropriate treatment and avoid complications.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection offers free vaccination services through its network of primary health care facilities in the different prefectures and provinces of the Kingdom, the National Immunization Program being one of its programs priorities, remember.​

https://www.mapnews.ma/fr/actualite...état-dune-hausse-des-cas-de-rougeole-rappelle

 

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Hespress French – News from Morocco

​Measles in Tinghir: When the strike endangers the lives of children

Zineb Jazouli
Saturday June 15, 2024 - 10:30 p.m.

It seems that strikes in the health sector affect the well-being of citizens. Continue the fight until rights are obtained or respond to citizens' calls: this is the dilemma facing the Moroccan medical profession. In remote regions, the situation is worrying. In Tinghir, measles is raging.

This issue is raised by Nezha Maqdad, member of the Progress and Socialism (PPS) group in the House of Representatives, who declared that the services of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in the province of Tinghir are making considerable efforts to control the alarming spread of measles in several douars, in particular in the Tamtetoucht douar, falling within the commune of Aït Hani, as well as in the commune of Aït El Farsi and other communes, where cases of death among the children have been registered before.

In a written question addressed to the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb, the MP explained that “the worsening of the spread of this contagious disease is due to the fact that a large number of children do not have not received all the vaccines according to the national vaccination schedule on schedule, these deadlines having coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic which has paralyzed all aspects of life in our country, as in the rest of the world.

The Book Party parliamentarian underlined, in her question on “the spread of measles in the province of Tinghir ”, that “ the continuous intervention of the Health and Social Protection services has brought great relief to the affected populations”.

In this sense, Maqdad also noted a notable drop in medical interventions in recent days, attributed to health workers' strikes and protests. She urged the minister responsible for the health sector to clarify the measures his ministry will take to catch up with the series of vaccinations for children.

According to informed sources, the majority of deaths due to measles in the province of Tinghir affected nomadic children who moved between the provinces of the regions of Drâa-Tafilalet and Béni Mellal-Khénifra. Meanwhile, the provincial Health and Social Protection delegation continues, in coordination with local authorities, intense efforts to contain the spread of the disease.

https://fr.hespress.com/372697-roug...la-greve-met-en-peril-la-vie-des-enfants.html
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Measles in Chichaoua: Seven children die and the toll rises

Zineb Jazouli
Thursday, August 1, 2024 - 10:36 p.m.

Tragedy has struck Chichaoua province, where measles recently killed seven children, with the latest death recorded last weekend, according to local press. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, continues to spread rapidly in several regions, including Khmiss Ait Haddou Youssef, Lalla Aziza, and particularly in the commune of Irouhalne.

Local sources report that the situation is alarming, with infections among the population, including children, in these areas. Local health authorities, criticized for their inaction, are under pressure from civil society and human rights activists who are calling for urgent intervention by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

The Federation of Sksawa Associations expressed its deep concern over the lack of an adequate response from health authorities. In a statement, the federation denounced " the deaf ear policy " of the provincial delegation of the Ministry of Health in Chichaoua and the lack of preventive measures such as vaccination campaigns and epidemiological surveillance activities, particularly in douars far from urban centers.

Faced with this crisis, the federation has scheduled a communication meeting for this Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10 a.m., in the meeting room of the commune of Sidi Ghanem. This meeting aims to discuss recent developments concerning the measles epidemic and to develop a roadmap to advocate for joint action.

The situation remains critical as measles continues to threaten the lives of children in the region. “ Health authorities are called upon to intensify their efforts to contain the epidemic, including by ensuring adequate vaccination coverage and strengthening epidemiological surveillance ,” the federation of Seksawa associations calls.

The ongoing tragedy highlights the urgency of a coordinated and rapid response to protect public health and prevent further loss of life. Chichaoua residents, activists, and civil society organizations are mobilizing to ensure that this health crisis receives the attention and resources needed to be resolved.

Faced with a growing epidemic and a dire lack of health services, compounded by a strike that is paralyzing the kingdom’s hospitals, the residents of Chichaoua find themselves in a situation of great uncertainty. The situation, already critical, threatens to worsen further, leaving local communities in a state of extreme vulnerability. Children, the most exposed to this health crisis, are on the front lines, facing an increased risk of mortality in the absence of adequate care. As an immediate response from government authorities to contain the epidemic and provide the necessary care is desperately awaited, the feeling of abandonment and urgency is intensifying among residents.

https://fr.hespress.com/380465-rougeole-a-chichaoua-sept-enfants-decedes-et-le-bilan-salourdit.html

 

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Measles in Chichaoua: General mobilization of authorities to save children

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection recently announced an alarming situation in the Aït Haddou Youssef region, located in the Chichaoua province, where a measles outbreak has caused the death of seven children. In response to this health crisis, a medical team was immediately sent to the site to assess the health status of the population and organize an emergency vaccination campaign.

Emergency Vaccination in Chichaoua:

The provincial health delegation in Chichaoua took rapid action by vaccinating 59 children aged 9 months to 15 years against measles. In parallel, two new cases were diagnosed and treated in accordance with the health protocols in force. Unfortunately, one of the affected children did not survive, although the other cases are showing signs of improvement.

Faced with this crisis, the health delegation stressed the vital importance of vaccination and urged parents to take their children to health centers as soon as the first symptoms appear to receive appropriate care. The deaths were recorded in several areas, including Aït Haddou Youssef, Lalla Aziza, Chichaoua and particularly in the commune of Arouhaln.

Civil organizations and human rights activists have launched an urgent appeal to the Ministry of Health for a rapid intervention and a large-scale awareness and vaccination campaign. This outbreak highlights the critical need to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as measles.

The Ministry of Health remains vigilant and continues to closely monitor the situation, taking all necessary measures to protect public health and prevent further tragic losses.
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Sunday August 4, 2024

https://www.lodj.ma/Rougeole-a-Chic...utorites-pour-sauver-les-enfants_a105414.html

 

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Morocco: 2024 Measles

Source: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/20...break-claims-lives-in-moroccos-remote-regions

Bouhemroun’: Measles Outbreak Claims Lives in Morocco’s Remote Regions
A devastating measles outbreak is claiming young lives in Morocco’s remote and mountain provinces, with at least 8 children dead in Chichaoua and 15 in Tinghir.
Adil FaouziAug. 09, 2024 7:11 p.m.​

Marrakech - Morocco is grappling with a deadly measles outbreak, known locally as “Bouhemroun,” that has claimed the lives of numerous children in the country’s remote regions.

News reports and a video circulating on social media paint a dire picture, with the Moroccan Center for Human Rights sounding the alarm over the escalating crisis.

According to the Moroccan Center for Human Rights, at least eight children have died from the measles in recent days in Chichaoua province alone. The provinces of Azilal and Beni Mellal have also recorded child fatalities.

The highly contagious disease continues to spread rapidly in several villages in these provinces and in the southeastern regions of the country.​..

 

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Source: https://fesnews.media/294408/2024/12/19/

Suspected Measles Case Claims Life of Infant in Fes
Mansouri abdelkader 19 December، 2024 FEZ

On December 18, 2024, Fes witnessed the tragic death of an 8-month-old infant, suspected to be the first fatality linked to measles in the city.​..

 

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Source: https://en.yabiladi.com/articles/details/157934/morocco-s-measles-vaccination-rates-fall.html

Morocco's measles vaccination rates fall short of targets
In recent weeks, measles has claimed lives in regions of Morocco, despite the country's well-known effectiveness in its vaccination strategies against childhood diseases. In the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, the epidemic has resulted in eight deaths. Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a physician and researcher in health policies and systems, suggests that the situation reflects a laxity whose underlying causes need to be identified.
Portrait de Latifa Babas
By Ghita Zine (Translation Latifa Babas)
12 hours ago


In just a few days, measles has killed at least eight children in the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, where several others are reportedly affected. Each month, around a hundred medical treatments are recorded, according to data provided by provincial authorities. In 2023, the same region, as well as Beni Mellal-Khénifra and Souss-Massa, have identified epidemic outbreaks, thus questioning the vaccination coverage and adherence to vaccination campaigns against childhood diseases...

 

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Source: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/20...-000-cases-and-107-deaths-recorded-since-2023

Measles Crisis in Morocco: 19,000+ Cases and 107 Deaths Recorded Since 2023
The Ministry of Health has implemented an urgent national plan, focusing on catch-up vaccination campaigns, particularly for children, who remain the most vulnerable group.
Firdaous NaimDec. 30, 2024 8:44 p.m.​

Rabat - Morocco is dealing with a rising measles outbreak, locally known as “Bouhemroun,” having reported 19,515 cases since October 2023.

Health Minister Amine Tahraoui shared these figures during a parliamentary session on December 30, pointing to an incidence rate of 52.5 cases per 100,000 people.

The disease has claimed 107 lives to date, accounting for 0.55% of the reported cases. Alarmingly, half of the fatalities involved children under 12, noting the vulnerability of younger populations in the current health crisis.

Originating in the Souss-Massa region last year, the outbreak has now spread nationwide. Tahraoui attributed the surge to declining vaccination rates following the Covid-19 pandemic, which left gaps in immunization and created fertile ground for new infections...


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Source: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/20...firms-41-cases-of-measles-among-inmates-staff

Morocco’s Prison Authority Confirms 41 Cases of Measles Among Inmates, Staff
The Ministry of Health has emphasized that the only way to eliminate measles is through vaccination.
Safaa KasraouiJan. 08, 2025 5:11 p.m.​

The General Delegation for Prison Administration confirmed today that it has recorded 41 cases of measles, also known as Bouhmron, among inmates in several facilities across Morocco.

The delegation said the patients include 23 cases at the Tangier 2 local prison, including two cases among staff members.

Mohammedia’s local prison has seen seven cases, while Ain Bourja local prison registered five cases.

Meanwhile, the Kenitra central prison and the Bourkayz local prison in Fez have so far registered two cases each.

The delegation also recorded one case each at the Tetouan local prison and the Kelaat Sraghna local prison.

In its statement, the delegation urged the families and relatives of prisoners who are allowed to visit to be mindful of the seriousness of the situation and to adhere to preventive measures to avoid the risk of transmitting the disease to prisoners.​..

 

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Source: https://al24news.com/en/over-100-measles-deaths-reported-in-morocco-amid-vaccine-coverage-decline/

Over 100 Measles Deaths Reported in Morocco Amid Vaccine Coverage Decline
Photo of Latifa Ferial Naili
23 hours ago

More than 100 deaths from measles have been reported in Morocco since October 2023, primarily caused by a significant decline in vaccination coverage in remote areas. Authorities have warned of the risk of widespread transmission of the epidemic, which poses a serious threat to public health.

Moroccan Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amin Tahraoui, acknowledged that the measles epidemic had claimed the lives of 107 people, half of whom were children under 12 years old, with 19,515 cases reported by the end of 2024. This particularly severe epidemic highlights the weaknesses in Morocco’s healthcare system and the urgent need to improve vaccination coverage to prevent future health crises, according to health experts...


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Morocco News

Measles: 79 cases of infection recorded in 13 penitentiary establishments

Written by L'Opinion With MAP Wednesday January 15, 2025

The General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) announced on Wednesday that a total of 79 cases of measles have been recorded to date among residents of 13 prison establishments.


As part of its communication approach based on openness to public opinion and its concern to inform it of the evolution of the health situation relating to measles in penitentiary establishments, the DGAPR announced in a press release that until Wednesday, January 15, 79 cases of infection had been recorded (including 7 minors, two women and a child accompanied by his mother), adding that 27 of them had recovered after following the treatment protocol in force.

Regarding the distribution of cases of infection, the DGAPR specifies that the local prison of Tangier 2 recorded 25 cases (24 in isolation and one case under treatment at the public hospital), while 6 cases were recorded at the local prison Ain Borja (5 in isolation and one case under treatment at the public hospital).

Similarly, the same source continued, 5 cases of infection were reported at the local prison of Mohammedia and 3 others at the local prison Al Arjat 1, while two cases were recorded respectively at the central prison of Kenitra and the local prisons Bourkaiz of Fez, Benslimane and Souk Larbaa, and one case in each of the local prisons of Bouarfa, El Kelaâ des Sraghna, Tetouan, Berkane and Tan-Tan.

In addition, seven civil servants, including a female doctor, were infected and are subject to the health protocol in force, the press release underlines.

And to note that as part of the efforts made by the DGAPR in collaboration with the supervisory ministry to prevent the spread of this disease in penitentiary establishments, 11,620 prisoners and 332 civil servants benefited from voluntary vaccination, under the supervision of the staff of the provincial delegations of Health and Social Protection.

In this context, the DGAPR affirms that all penitentiary establishments remain mobilized in order to prevent and contain the spread of this disease, in application of the provisions of the note distributed for this purpose and in close coordination with the supervisory department.

https://www.lopinion.ma/Rougeole-79...-13-etablissements-penitentiaires_a62537.html

 

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Source: https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/othe...0-deaths-reported-since-september/ar-AA1xBQZA

Measles outbreak in Morocco: 25,000 cases and 120 deaths reported since September
Story by Hespress EN
• 22h​

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.​..

 

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Measles in Morocco: the epidemic is decreasing, the fight against disinformation must continue

In Morocco, efforts to combat the measles epidemic are beginning to bear fruit. According to Dr. Said Afif, President of the Moroccan Association of Health Sciences, measles cases have decreased by 15% compared to last week, an encouraging sign of improvement. However, while health authorities, supported by the relevant ministries, are taking coordinated action to stem the epidemic, public distrust, exacerbated by misinformation, is another battle that is not won in advance. Experts and journalists are therefore calling for increased cooperation between public authorities and the media in order to restore public trust, which is essential to dealing with this health crisis in a sustainable manner.

Nabila Bakkass | March 01, 2025 at 09:15

Efforts to stem the measles epidemic in Morocco are beginning to show encouraging results. According to Dr. Said Afif, President of the Moroccan Association of Health Sciences and Honorary President of the Moroccan Society of Pediatrics, the latest data show a 15% decrease in measles cases compared to the previous week. This figure is seen as a positive sign of a favorable development of the situation. This statement was made during a conference organized by the Rotary Club Casablanca Mers Sultan on February 26, 2025, under the theme “Measles in 2025 in Morocco: everything you need to know to defeat the disease”. The event brought together experts from the medical field and civil society actors to discuss measures to be taken in the face of this epidemic that has affected the country since September 2023.

Faced with the surge in measles cases that has already caused more than 120 deaths, Moroccan schools are toughening their stance: students showing symptoms of the disease and those who have not been vaccinated are being banned from classes. This radical measure is rekindling the debate on freedom of vaccination and the State's responsibility in matters of public health. The question of how far coercion can go to protect the community is more relevant than ever. The rise of "vaccine skepticism" is certainly cause for alarm, and health authorities have a duty to protect the right to health and life, but respect for personal choices and beliefs is also a right that is no less sacred. Resolving this equation is not easy since it touches on the very sensitive register of freedoms in their relationship with authority.

A coordinated response from health authorities

For Dr. Afif, this improvement is above all the result of effective collaboration between the ministries concerned. "Every week, we see progress thanks to the coordination between the Ministries of Health, Interior and National Education," he said. Indeed, the Ministry of Health takes care of the sick and ensures the distribution of vaccines, while the Ministry of Interior manages the logistics and coordination of vaccination campaigns. For its part, the Ministry of National Education is responsible for raising awareness among parents and vaccinating children in schools. In this context, he noted, reinforced surveillance has been put in place: 10,225,663 health records have been checked in schools, with a validation rate of 94%. This measure not only ensures that children and adults are protected against measles, but also quickly identifies those who have not yet received their doses of vaccine.

The crucial importance of measles vaccination

But despite these signs of improvement, Dr. Afif stressed the importance of continuing efforts, given the severity of the disease. “Contrary to popular belief, measles is not a benign infection. It can cause severe symptoms such as pneumonia and encephalitis, and even cause death. In addition, its contagiousness is extreme: an infected person can transmit the virus to up to 18 other individuals,” he warned. In this context, vaccination remains the most effective tool to combat this epidemic. Dr. Afif reaffirmed the effectiveness of the vaccine, which has been used for decades around the world to fight the disease. “This vaccine is safe and proven,” he insisted, in response to concerns that are often unfounded, fueled by misinformation. He reiterated his call to parents to check their children's health records and ensure that they have received the two necessary doses: the first at 9 months and the second at 18 months. For unvaccinated children, he encouraged them to participate in the ongoing vaccination campaign, which provides for the administration of two doses spaced one month apart.

The crisis of confidence in vaccination

But as Dr. Afif pointed out, the fight against this disease must be carried out in parallel on the ground of awareness in order to deconstruct prejudices and false information. In this regard, Wahid Mbarek, journalist and head of the "Society" section at "Al Ittihad Al Ichtiraki", stressed the crucial role of the media in disseminating reliable information and combating disinformation in the context of an epidemic. "Journalists play a key role, not only in informing, but also in immunizing people against false information that fuels fear and mistrust," he said. For him, disinformation, especially on social networks, sometimes has more impact than verified medical information, which poses a real challenge for journalists. Wahid Mbarek noted in this regard that the mission of journalists can only be fully accomplished if there is transparent collaboration between the authorities and the media. In the absence of such cooperation, he continued, public trust will remain fragile and reluctance to the authorities' efforts, particularly in terms of vaccination, will persist. "The current crisis and that of Covid-19 also remind us of the urgency of redefining the relationships between the media, public authorities and civil society. This cooperation is essential to create an environment conducive to transparency, education and awareness-raising among citizens," he said.

Suffice it to say that the fight against measles is not limited to vaccination and surveillance actions. Strong collaboration between all stakeholders - doctors, journalists, public authorities and civil society - is essential to overcome this epidemic and restore citizens' trust in the health authorities and the relevance of their action.
Nabila Bakkass | March 01, 2025 at 09:15

https://lematin.ma/societe/rougeole-le-combat-contre-la-desinformation-doit-continuer/266463​

 

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Source: https://www.africanews.com/2025/05/14/measles-outbreak-in-morocco/

Measles Outbreak in Morocco
By Agencies
Last updated: 10 hours ago

Morocco is battling its worst measles outbreak in years, with thousands of cases reported across the country.

Since late 2023, more than 25,000 suspected measles cases and at least 184 deaths have been recorded. The outbreak, which began in the Souss Massa region, has now spread to all 12 regions. Children under 18 account for nearly 70% of reported cases, with many infections linked to low vaccination coverage.​..

 

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Measles in Morocco: A Fragile Victory Against a Highly Contagious Scourge

Mouna Aghlal
Published on 05/27/2025 at 3:48 p.m.

Long considered a nearly eradicated disease in many countries, measles is making a worrying comeback on the global health scene, including in Morocco. This highly contagious viral infection, once largely controlled through vaccination, is now experiencing a worrying resurgence. However, the latest data show a marked improvement in the Kingdom, where the number of cases is significantly declining thanks to a massive catch-up vaccination campaign.

As health authorities redouble their efforts to contain the spread of the virus, the situation raises critical questions about vaccination, risk perception, and the challenges posed by the anti-vaccine movement. To better understand the issues at stake, it is crucial to review the recent evolution of measles in Morocco, the characteristics of this formidable disease, and the prospects for its eradication.

An 80% decline

Morocco has seen a notable decline in the number of measles cases in recent weeks, a trend that is considered very encouraging, but which requires constant vigilance. According to health policy and systems researcher Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, " achieving an 80% reduction in measles cases in Morocco is very important ."

Indeed, following a recent epidemic outbreak, the Kingdom has gone from around ten cases per year to thousands. In the third week of May 2025 alone, 746 cases were recorded—still a significant figure, but well below the peaks seen in previous weeks.

This improvement is mainly attributed to the catch-up vaccination campaign conducted by Moroccan health authorities. The Ministry of Health reports that 95% of children under 18 have received at least one dose of vaccine or have completed their vaccination schedule. This vaccination coverage is crucial, as measles is particularly prevalent among children and unimmunized individuals.

Nevertheless, Dr. Hamdi warns that " if we are truly at 95% herd immunity, there should be no new waves ." But current figures show that the general population has not yet reached this critical threshold, which could open the door to future resurgences. Hence the need to remain vigilant, particularly in the face of anti-vaccine rhetoric that has proliferated since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Anti-Vaxxer Challenge: A Persistent Threat

One of the main obstacles to maintaining high vaccination coverage remains growing vaccine skepticism. Fueled by the controversies surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine, this phenomenon is causing concern among healthcare professionals. As Dr. Hamdi points out, " many young doctors have never seen a real case of measles ," which can lead to an underestimation of the risks posed by this disease.

Some parents wonder: why vaccinate against a disease they think has disappeared? This illusion is precisely the result of the success of vaccination campaigns. However, slackening efforts could revive epidemics. " We must continue to vaccinate until eradication ," insists Tayeb Hamdi, recalling that measles, like smallpox, which was eradicated in the 1970s, can theoretically be eliminated.

An eradicable disease, but not yet

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease transmitted through the air, particularly through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Even close proximity to a sick person is enough to be exposed. The incubation period typically lasts 10 to 14 days before the first symptoms appear. Although measles may appear mild in some cases, it can lead to serious complications, particularly in children under five, non-immune adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Treatment relies solely on symptomatic treatment. Prevention therefore plays a central role in the fight against the disease. Vaccination remains the most effective tool: the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, administered in two doses, provides robust immunity in over 97% of cases.

In this regard, Dr. Hamdi emphasizes that " vaccines save millions of lives. Natural immunity is not enough. The proof is that, as soon as vaccination coverage decreased, measles reappeared ." He also points out that diseases that were once virtually extinct, such as polio, have claimed many victims due to lack of vaccination, leaving irreversible lifelong after-effects in thousands of Moroccans who are now adults.

It should be noted in this regard that measles is one of the diseases identified by the WHO as potentially eradicable. This means that it only affects humans, and well-coordinated vaccination campaigns can lead to its definitive elimination. However, this requires sustained vaccination coverage above 95%.

The Moroccan situation shows that sustained efforts can quickly reverse an epidemic trend. However, the recent example also serves as a reminder that the slightest gap in immunity coverage allows the virus to rebound. The current phase is therefore crucial. It is about consolidating gains by maintaining vaccination efforts, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, and continuing public education to counter misinformation.

The decline in measles cases in Morocco represents a victory for the healthcare system and vaccination campaigns. However, this victory remains fragile. As Dr. Tayeb Hamdi explains, herd immunity is a goal, not a guarantee: it must be maintained to prevent any resurgence.

Measles, a disease some thought forgotten, is today a powerful reminder that only constant vigilance and a coherent vaccination policy will one day allow it to be completely eliminated. In the meantime, each dose administered constitutes an additional barrier against a threat that, although less visible, remains very real.

https://www.lebrief.ma/rougeole-au-...ce-a-un-fleau-hautement-contagieux-100100612/