Emergency measles vaccination campaign launched by Ekurhuleni
Parents advised to ensure children are up to date with their measles vaccination
The City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Temba Gadebe said on Friday that the municipality is rolling out an emergency measles vaccination campaign in all its primary care health facilities, including Nigel.
This follows 21 reported cases of a measles outbreak in the Actonville area (Benoni) between July and August.
As part of the campaign, children under the age of five will be vaccinated or they will receive a booster dose.
No cases of measles have been reported in Nigel and the surrounding areas yet, but residents should take precaution as it is a highly contagious disease that spreads from one person to another through contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva from the mouth and mucus from the nose.
It can turn into a serious condition that can be fatal for small children. An infected person can easily spread the infection when they sneeze or cough.
Anyone who suspect they or their children may have measles, are advised to seek medical assistance. Symptoms include fever, cough, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and runny nose.
Around the third day a blotchy, flat red rash appears all over the skin, which usually starts behind the ears and then spreads to the face, body and arms and legs. The rash may or may not be itchy.
Vaccines are available at the following local clinics: Duduza Clinic, Lucky Mkhawanazi Clinic, Sonto Thobelo, SEHD Clinic, Nokhutele Ngwenya Clinic in Dunnottar, Nigel Clinic, Alrapark Clinic and Ferryvale and Nigel Pharmacies.
