Ekurhuleni acts against reported measles outbreak

Cases were also reported in the City of Johannesburg and Tshwane.

Measles is a highly infectious notifiable viral disease which commonly presents with high fever, a general feeling of unwellness, coughing, a runny nose, teary red eyes which are sensitive to light, followed by a rash two to three days later.

Complications from measles are life threatening.

Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson Temba Gadebe said the Gauteng Department of Health has already embarked on a strategy to curb an outbreak of measles through an immunisation campaign in the area where the cases were identified, namely Tembisa and Northmead areas.

Gadebe said the campaign aimed to immunise all children in Tembisa and Northmead from six months old to 15 years, irrespective of their immunisation status (even if they have received the measles vaccination before).

In addition the Ekurhuleni district has stepped-up the surveillance and reporting of any suspect or confirmed cases through its Outbreak Response Team.

“Any suspect cases should immediately be reported so that cases can be followed-up and contacts can be immunised,” said Gadebe.

The Outbreak Response Measles and Vitamin ‘A’ Campaign was held from December 8, in the Tembisa and Northmead area, where there were confirmed cases of measles.

The confirmed cases fell in the catchment area of the following clinics:

•  Northmead Clinic: One case confirmed although this child is from City of Johannesburg
•  Winnie Mandela Clinic: Three cases confirmed;
•  Erin Clinic: One case confirmed;
•  Tembisa Health Care Centre: One case confirmed; and
•  Tembisa Main Clinic: One case confirmed

The target group for vaccination was:

•  Measles Vaccine: Six months old to 15-year-olds
•  Vitamin ‘A’: Six months to 59 months

Gadebe said not all children will contract measles; only those who were not immunised against measles at nine and 18 months of age and who come into contact with measles will be susceptible.

“In addition children who did not receive their booster second dose of measles at 18 months may have failed to seroconvert (produce antibodies against measles).

n Can adults get measles?

Yes, adults can contract measles if they have been exposed and were not immunised against measles at nine and 18 months of age.

“Currently only children have been affected and therefore the campaign is targeting children aged between six months to 15 years.

Adults who have been exposed are also vaccinated against measles.

•  How can people prevent getting measles?

Through routine vaccination.

All children should be vaccinated against Vaccine Preventable Diseases of which measles is one.

The routine measles vaccination is; first dose at nine years old and second dose at 18 months according to the schedule of the National Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

n How can measles be treated?

Symptomatic treatment of signs and symptoms which may be present for one to two weeks:

•  High temperature
•  A raised red rash
•  Red patches on the skin
•  Runny nose
•  Cough
•  Watery red eyes (Conjunctivitis) and
•  Sensitivity to light
•  How can people who already have measles prevent spreading measles?

Early diagnosis and isolation of those with measles is important.

All contacts should be screened and vaccinated to contain the spread of the diseases.

•  Is measles life threatening?

Measles is life threatening because it is contagious from approximately three days before the rash to one week after the appearance of the rash.

Serious complications may occur including;

•  Pneumonia;
•  Otitis Media (ear infection which may lead to deafness);
•  Severe eye infection may lead to permanent eye defects;
•  Diarrhoea leading to dehydration; and
•  Brain infection.