To prevent measles infection, Nigerians must adopt good hygiene and nutrition practices and get vaccinated, health experts say. While most people develop lifelong immunity after a measles infection and are unlikely to contract it again, vaccination and proper hygiene remain essential for prevention. A well‑balanced diet can also help reduce the incidence and severity of the disease.
Measles is a viral infection transmitted through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include cough, inflamed eyes, runny nose, sore throat, fever, and a red, blotchy skin rash. Although the disease can affect both adults and children, it is often especially serious for young children.
In an interview with HealthWise, UK‑based Attending Family Health Physician Dr. Abdulmaleek Sado and Lagos‑based nurse Abigail Adekunle warned that measles can be dangerous and even fatal, with long‑lasting complications if not promptly treated. Dr. Sado noted that diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms and that complications such as pneumonia and meningoencephalitis are more likely in unvaccinated individuals, children under five, adults over 20, and those with poor nutritional status.
Dr. Sado explained that immunity can be confirmed with a blood test measuring IgG antibodies to measles; a positive result indicates prior infection or vaccination and suggests protection. He emphasized that measles can lead to serious complications, including dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting, pneumonia, encephalitis, bronchitis, otitis media, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and even death, particularly in children under five.
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