The measles outbreak has yet to be contained

The number of measles cases in the country continues to rise with Mpumalanga recording a total of 69 cases since the outbreak began in 2022.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) declared the measles outbreak in the province on November 11, 2022.

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Since then, the Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande districts have reported 38 and 30 cases respectively, which represents the majority of cases in the province. Subsequently, just one new case in Mpumalanga has been confirmed.

Dwarsloop Clinic reported 16 of the 38 Ehlanzeni cases, while Dundonald Clinic reported 12 of the 30 cases in the Gert Sibande District.

According to the NICD, the age of infected people across Mpumalanga ranged from four months to 28 years. The most affected age group is five to nine years.

Of the 69 cases, 43 had an unknown vaccination status, nine were vaccinated and 17 were unvaccinated.

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The number of cases countrywide continues to increase daily as blood and throat swabs are submitted to the NICD for measles serology and PCR testing.

Since the beginning of November 2022, the NICD has tested 2 252 serum samples for measles antibodies, of which 318 (14%) tested positive.

A measles outbreak is classified as three or more confirmed laboratory measles cases reported within 30 days of the onset of disease, in a single district.

In a statement, the NICD said, “The number of measles cases in the country continues to rise. Prevention and control of measles outbreaks can only be achieved through vaccination. Caregivers and parents are advised to review their child’s vaccination records and confirm that they have received the measles vaccine. It is never too late to vaccinate.

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Children who have not been vaccinated may receive the measles vaccine at any age over six months. It is free of charge at primary health services. Clinicians across the country are urged to be on the lookout for measles cases.
It is understood that the health departments in the respective provinces have commenced with or are planning immunisation campaigns.

For more information about measles, case definition, notification, investigation, and guidelines for measles management, including vaccination, please refer to the NICD website: https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/measles/.