Protect your child against Ekurhuleni’s measles epidemic

The City of Ekurhuleni is grappling with a rise in measles cases, prompting the metro to intensify its vaccination campaign targeting children aged six months to 15 years.

To date, 80 confirmed cases have been recorded, and the number continues to grow.

“The city is deeply concerned about the recently reported cases of measles in the city. Hence a measles vaccination campaign is currently underway and will run until 12 September 2025,” the metro said in a statement.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus and can lead to serious health complications. The metro has urged parents and guardians to take their children to the nearest clinic for vaccination.

In addition to clinic availability, nurses will also visit Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and schools to administer vaccines.

Consent forms have already been sent to these institutions and must be signed and returned to allow vaccinations to take place.

If a child’s school has not yet been contacted, parents are encouraged to reach out to the school health nurse assigned to their area.

Know the symptoms of measles:
Measles typically begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a widespread rash. Signs may include:
• High fever
• Barky cough
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Runny nose
• Tiredness
• Red spots with white centres in the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
• Rash
• Digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain and vomiting
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Headache

Parents are urged to take swift action to protect their children and help curb the spread of this serious disease.

Also Read: Measles vaccinations to be accelerated in Ekurhuleni

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