The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has declared a measles outbreak after three cases from two healthcare facilities were reported in the Greater Sekhukhune District, Limpopo, within 30 days.

“A measles outbreak is classified as three laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported within 30 days in a district, and a public health response investigation is needed to identify new measles cases and vaccination of the contacts to prevent the spread of the disease,” the NICD explained yesterday.

According to the public health institute, the first two measles cases were detected on September 22 and 25 while the third case was reported on October 2.

The cases were detected in children aged 11 years, a year old and 11 months.

The NICD says two of the children have not been vaccinated for measles, while the third child’s vaccination status is unknown.

According to the NICD, the Greater Sekhukhune District, with the support of the Limpopo Health Department, started a measles case finding and vaccination drive, targeting children between six months and 15 years old.

The health institute says that on October 7, 2 052 children have been vaccinated in Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality and Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, where the measles cases were detected.

The institution has since urged clinicians to be on the alert for measles cases, especially in Limpopo, as large measles outbreaks are occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

Measles, according to the institute, presents with fever, malaise, cough, conjunctivitis, and a runny nose. In addition, a maculopapular non-itchy, non-vesicular rash appears on the face, neck, trunk and limbs, usually on day four of the illness.

Measles complications include pneumonia, scarring of the cornea, and rarely encephalitis.

“Measles is highly infectious and spreads rapidly from person to person,” the institute explains, adding that unvaccinated people of any age can catch measles and develop the disease.

“Clinicians and caregivers should check children’s road-to-health booklets to ensure measles vaccinations are up to date.”

Measles vaccines, according to the NICD, are given routinely at six and 12 months of age.

“It is never too late to vaccinate against measles.”

Suspected measles cases should be notified on the NICD’s Notifiable Medical Conditions system. – SAnews.gov.za