Measles cases in Morocco have increased since mid-September of last year, particularly in the Souss-Massa region, announced the Ministry of Health and Social Protection on Monday.
In response to this increase, the Ministry, through its regional and local services, implemented a series of field measures by enhancing epidemiological monitoring activities and vaccination campaigns. This containment effort has led to a slowdown in its spread, resulting in recent cases being concentrated in the Taroudant and Chtouka Ait Baha regions.
It added that the field epidemiological investigations revealed a decrease in vaccination rates in certain population clusters, contributing to the virus spread and the emergence of disease clusters.
The Ministry reiterated that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases, including measles. It urged parents to adhere to the approved vaccination schedule within the national immunization program, which includes two doses against measles in the ninth and eighteenth months.
It also pointed out the necessity of seeking the nearest healthcare facility in cases of disease symptoms (skin rash with fever) to receive appropriate treatment and to prevent complications.
Through the network of primary healthcare institutions across the various regions of the Kingdom, the Ministry provides free vaccination services, as the national immunization program is a priority program for the Ministry.