This study examined suspected and laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Galmudug State, Somalia, over a period from April 2023 to December 2024. The researchers looked at 1,705 suspected cases, of which 104 were confirmed by lab tests. They analyzed trends in how often measles appeared, who got sick, and where the cases were located.
The data showed that the rate of new measles cases went up, rising from 4.9 per 10,000 people in 2023 to 8.1 per 10,000 in 2024. Most of the confirmed cases were children, with the highest number among those aged 5 to 9 years. The burden was also significant in children aged 0 to 4 years. Almost all reported cases came from the Dusamareb District, which accounted for 95.8% of the total.
The study found no significant difference in measles rates between boys and girls. However, children aged 10 to 14 and those aged 0 to 4 had higher rates of positive IgM tests compared to other age groups. No safety concerns were reported because the study looked at disease patterns rather than testing new treatments. Readers should understand that strengthening routine immunization and improving vaccine access are critical steps to reducing these numbers. This research underscores the need for better surveillance and outbreak response in the region.
