Sierra Leone reports measles outbreak with 41 cases across eight districts

The National Public Health Agency and the Ministry of Health have declared a measles outbreak in Sierra Leone after confirming 41 cases between January and April 2026 in eight districts. The Western Area Urban district, which includes the capital Freetown, is the hardest hit with 15 cases, nine of which were recorded in April, and a reported test‑positivity rate of 75 %.

Health officials say the disease is spreading through active community transmission. They have deployed field teams, intensified surveillance, contact tracing and infection‑prevention measures, and launched ring‑vaccination campaigns around confirmed cases. The government urges parents to ensure children receive the two free vaccine doses offered nationwide and advises anyone with fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or rash to seek immediate medical care.

Authorities stress that measles is preventable and treatable and ask the public not to panic while cooperating with response efforts.