Morocco measles tally doubles in past month, now reporting 20,000 cases in 2025
In a follow-up on the measles epidemic in Morocco, health authorities are reporting 20,086 total measles cases, including 3,391 confirmed and 37 deaths since the beginning of the year.
The current outbreak that began in late 2023, has now accumulated more than 40,000 total cases and nearly 150 deaths.
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.
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.
The Ministry calls on all citizens to contribute to the national efforts to eliminate measles, reiterating that vaccination is the most effective and efficient way to prevent the disease and its complications while limiting its spread.