Health authorities in the Free State have confirmed 64 cases of measles across the Lejweleputswa district in children aged between five and nine, reports SABC News, hard on the heels of rising cases across Gauteng.
They are urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated against the disease or to take them to the nearest healthcare facility if they have symptoms that include fever, runny nose, a rash and conjunctivitis. They warn that the highly contagious viral infection can lead to serious health complications and have stressed the importance of vigilance for symptoms.
In Gauteng, the Department of Health (GDoH) also recently intensified a public health response after a continued rise in cases across the province. A total of 181 lab-confirmed measles cases were reported from 1 January to 13 June, with authorities saying the persistent outbreak follows previous clusters dating back to 2022, which led to a vaccination campaign in 2023.
In the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases, 10 of which were reported in Tshwane, two in Johannesburg, two in Ekurhuleni, and one in West Rand.
In response, the department embarked on an aggressive targeted vaccination campaign in schools, with more than 18 000 children having been vaccinated in more than 30 school.
Measles-rubella booster doses are being offered to all age groups regardless of prior vaccination history.
The outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine, said the department.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has urged all parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated and to work with health teams conducting school and community campaigns.
She said there had been 16 reported hospital admissions linked to measles in Tshwane, but no deaths have been reported.
SABC News article – 64 cases of measles reported in Free State (Open access)
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