In a public notice issued today, 13 May 2026, the Government of Sierra Leone has alerted the public to a growing measles outbreak after 41 confirmed cases were recorded across eight districts between January and April 2026, with health officials warning of active community transmission in Freetown.
The notice, released by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), stated that Western Area Urban remains the hardest-hit area, accounting for 15 confirmed infections, including nine cases recorded in April alone.
Health officials said the national test positivity rate currently stands at 75 percent, raising concerns about wider transmission if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes near others. The disease can lead to severe complications and death, particularly among young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
The outbreak comes amid broader concerns across Africa over declining routine childhood immunisation coverage following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health experts have warned that missed vaccinations have increased the risk of measles resurgence in several countries, particularly in densely populated urban centres.
Sierra Leone has experienced periodic measles outbreaks in previous years, with health authorities often identifying low vaccination uptake and overcrowded living conditions as major risk factors for transmission. Western Area Urban, including Freetown, is considered especially vulnerable because of its high population density and constant movement between communities.
Authorities urged the public to seek immediate medical attention for anyone showing symptoms such as high fever, red or watery eyes, runny nose, cough, and skin rash. The public has also been encouraged to report suspected cases through the government’s 117 toll-free emergency line or at the nearest health facility.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles and called on parents and guardians to ensure children receive the two free doses of the measles vaccine available at government health facilities nationwide.
As part of the response, the government said it is deploying field teams to affected districts, especially in Western Area Urban, to identify and manage cases. Authorities are also carrying out ring vaccination campaigns around confirmed infections and strengthening infection prevention measures in health facilities.
Officials further advised parents to keep sick children away from schools and crowded places and warned against relying on self-medication or traditional remedies, stressing that such methods do not treat measles.
The government said the measures form part of broader outbreak-control efforts commonly used to contain highly infectious diseases, including surveillance, contact tracing, and rapid response interventions.
Despite the outbreak, the NPHA and MoH said there is “no cause for panic,” noting that measles is preventable and treatable when detected early. Authorities appealed for public cooperation as investigations and containment efforts continue.
