The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has expressed serious concern following a rise in measles cases across the metro.

According to CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, there have been 80 confirmed cases to date, and the number is continuing to climb.
A measles vaccination campaign is currently under way and will run until September 12, targeting all children aged between six months and 15 years.

“Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe health complications,” said Dlamini.

Parents and guardians are urged to take their children to their nearest clinic for vaccination. In addition to clinic services, nurses will visit Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and schools to administer the vaccine.

Consent forms have been sent to these facilities, and parents are asked to sign and return them promptly to give permission for their child’s vaccination. If a school has not yet been visited, parents are encouraged to contact the school health nurse assigned to their area.

Measles is a highly infectious illness that causes a rash and flu-like symptoms. Warning signs include:
• High fever
• Barky cough
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Runny nose
• Tiredness
• Red spots with white centres inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
• Rash
• Digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach pain or vomiting
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Headache