This follows 21 reported cases of a measles outbreak in the Actonville area, in Benoni, between July and August.

Themba Gadebe, Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson, said the metro is rolling out an emergency measles vaccination campaign in all its primary care health facilities.

As part of the campaign, children under the age of five will be vaccinated or receive a booster dose.

“Measles is a very contagious disease that can spread through contact with infected mucus or saliva and is a serious condition that can be fatal for small children.

“An infected person can easily release the infection into the air when they cough or sneeze,” said Gadebe.

Parents should immediately rush their children to the nearest clinic, should they show any signs of a high fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes for medical assistance.