“In a public notice issued on Wednesday 13th 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…”
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