Measles outbreaks escalate in Western Cape: A call for increased vaccinations

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said it has noted an increase in measles outbreaks in areas such as Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Eerste River, Somerset West, Mitchells Plain, Kraaifontein, and Wesbank.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that infects the respiratory tract. Symptoms include high fever, rash, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and coughing. Healthcare practitioners can diagnose measles based on signs and symptoms, and a blood sample collected for laboratory testing.

According to the department, a decline in childhood vaccinations contributed to multiple outbreaks of measles, rubella, and diphtheria across the province.

“Ensuring immunisation coverage across the province remains our top priority. Since October 2024, the department has ramped up its immunisation efforts to protect young children from serious and life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases,” the department said in a statement.

Provincial data for 2024/25 showed that vaccination coverage for children under one year had fallen to 67.4%, below the target of 95%, the department's spokesperson, Abulele Dyasi, stated earlier.

The department is working with the National Department of Health and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to maintain sufficient measles vaccination stock. 

Targeted vaccination outreaches will be prioritised in the areas where there is a rapid increase in measles cases, the department said.

Potential complications of measles include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection, and blindness. Complications are more serious in those who catch measles as young infants (under 2 years of age) and in children who are malnourished.

Parents are encouraged to keep their children at home when they have one or more of these symptoms. Should your children run a fever, feel sleepy, or struggle to eat, take them to the nearest clinic immediately. 

Free childhood vaccines are available at all public health facilities, and catch-up doses can be given if a child has missed a vaccination. Vaccines are also available through the private sector facilities and private-public partnerships.