The MEC for Health in Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba has Wednesday confirmed that Phalaborwa and Giyani has two cases each. As a result she has advised parents, guardians and caregivers to remain vigilant as more positive laboratory confirmed measles are registered in Sekhukhune and Mopani.

According to a statement released by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) the two cases in Giyani were reported on Friday, October 28. The first reported cases in the province were reported on September 22 and 25 and the third one on October 2.

The measles cases were aged 11 years, 1 year and 11 months, respectively with two cases not vaccinated for measles and one with an unknown measles vaccination status. The Sekhukhune District currently has 12 laboratory-confirmed cases and 16 overall in the province. The ages of measles cases in the Giyani area ranged between 2-5years.

Also read: Catch-up immunisations of children launched in Limpopo

According to NICD, measles patients present with fever, rash, and one or more of these symptoms, cough, red eyes, and runny nose. Complications of measles include pneumonia, diarrhea, dehydration, encephalitis, blindness and death. Measles complications are severe in malnourished children and those young infants under 2 years of age.

Persons of any age who are not vaccinated can catch measles and develop the disease. Clinicians and caregivers should be on alert for anyone presenting with the above symptoms and signs and check children’s road-to-health booklets to ensure measles vaccinations are up to date. Measles vaccines are given routinely at 6 and 12 months of age. It is never too late to vaccinate against measles.