Measles Outbreak in Morocco (2023 – 2025)

DLHA Staff Writer

North Africa map showing Morocco. Click on image to enlarge.

According to the World Health Organization, Morocco has been experiencing a widespread measles outbreak since late 2023.

The first cases were reported in limited provinces of the Souss Massa region in central Morocco, before spreading to additional provinces within the region during the first quarter of 2024, and subsequently to other regions of the country.

Here are some known facts about Morocco’s measles outbreak situation so fa:

• From October 1, 2023 through April 13, 2025, more than 25 000 suspected measles cases were reported from all 12 regions, 13 706 of which were laboratory-confirmed cases and 184 people died.

• During the week ending 27 April 2025, Morocco reported 995 suspected measles cases, representing an incidence rate of 2.7 per 100,000 population.

• While a national peak incidence was recorded in week 4 of 2025 (week ending 25 January), a declining trend in case numbers has been observed for ten consecutive weeks, starting from week 5 of 2025.

• Gender distribution has been nearly equal, with 50.7% of cases among males and 49.3% among females.

• 68% of cases occurred among individuals under the age of 18

• 49% of all cases were reported in unvaccinated individuals.

• Genomic characterization of measles virus specimens collected during the 2024–2025 outbreak revealed exclusive circulation of genotype B3. This is common in many parts of Africa and has been associated with outbreaks globally.

• The measles vaccine was introduced into Morocco’s national immunization schedule in 1987 as a single dose, and a second dose was added in 2014.

• The two dose measles vaccination in Morocco is administered first at 9 months of age, and then between 15 and 18 months.

• According to WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), Morocco has reported coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) above the 95% threshold required to achieve the elimination goal. However, this threshold was not achieved in the last three years.

Source: World Health Organization Disease Outbreak News

Related:

What is measles?

Basic Epidemiology of Measles in Sub-Sahara Africa

Morocco Launches Massive Measles Vaccination Campaign

Published: May 16, 2025

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