The Mpumalanga Department of Health says it has ramped up measles vaccinations in Middelburg and the Nkangala region after a rise in cases has been reported.

The department has deployed a team to deliver vaccinations in the affected areas.

According to Christopher Nobela, media spokesperson, a higher number of infections necessitated the vaccination drive.

He stopped short of calling it an outbreak, saying there’s no need to panic.

He encouraged parents to vaccinate their children.

Life Midmed Hospital echoed Nobela’s sentiments regarding an outbreak, saying, “Life Midmed Hospital confirms that there is no measles outbreak within the Hospital.

As part of Midmed’s standard infection prevention and control processes, the hospital assures the community that in the event of a potential disease outbreak, they work closely with the Department of Health in the reporting, monitoring and management of communicable diseases, in accordance with the established public health protocols.”

Midmed has prevention and control measures in place to protect patients, employees, doctors, and visitors.

The hospital also ‘encourages members of the public and their families to ensure that vaccinations are up to date’.