The measles outbreak in Tshwane is over, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Tuesday, as more than 42 days, or two incubation periods, have passed without another case.
It said the number of measles cases detected and epidemiologically linked to the outbreak remains at four, reports TimesLIVE.
In the last fortnight of May, four laboratory-confirmed cases of measles from residents in Gauteng were confirmed through testing by the NICD — three in Tshwane and one on the West Rand.
“Tshwane and provincial health officials conducted a measles vaccination campaign in the crèches and schools where the outbreak occurred, and ring immunisation in areas where another measles case was detected.
“Gauteng province is planning a measles vaccination campaign targeting children aged six months to 14 years to increase immunity and prevent new measles cases,” the NICD said.
Measles is highly contagious, and the vaccine is given routinely at six and 12 months of age. Catch-up measles vaccine doses should be given to children who missed their measles vaccinations when they have contact with a healthcare professional.
TimesLIVE article – Measles outbreak in Tshwane over, says NICD (Open access)
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