19 children killed in suspected measles outbreak in northeastern Nigeria

ABUJA -- At least 19 children have been killed so far by a suspected measles outbreak in Nigeria's northeastern state of Adamawa, local authorities said Saturday.

More than 200 children were suspected to have been affected by the measles outbreak in Mubi North local government area, Felix Tangwami, the commissioner for health in Adamawa, told reporters Saturday.

Official reports indicated that the 19 fatalities were caused by complications from the measles outbreak, Tangwami said, noting the development led to a quick mobilization of medics and drugs to the affected communities.

Children with severe infections would be referred to specialist hospitals, he said, while blaming parents for refusing to immunize their children.

Measles is a viral infection common among children under five but easily preventable through vaccines. It spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing.