Measles cases are escalating in Gauteng, with the Health Department now launching an aggressive vaccination campaign in schools and at taxi ranks, in efforts to halt infections.
Since the beginning of the year 181 cases have been reported – most of them in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni – with 15 new cases being recorded in the past week alone.
TimesLIVE reports that hotspots in Tshwane include Mamelodi with 35 cases and Winterveld with 10.
The department has embarked on a targeted vaccination campaign in schools, with more than 18 000 pupils vaccinated in more than 15 schools in Mamelodi and 16 schools in Winterveld thus far, according to Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
Booster shots are also being encouraged among all age groups, even for those who were previously vaccinated.
Health officials said too many children are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine.
“Immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane, significantly below the level required to prevent outbreaks,” Modiba said.
A four-week province-wide vaccination drive is being planned, and Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has urged parents to allow their children to be vaccinated.
Although 16 people have been admitted to hospital in Tshwane with measles, all have recovered. No deaths have been reported.
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