The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has released an updated report on the 2023 South African measles outbreak.

The report is based on laboratory testing data up until April 18.

According to NICD, in the past few weeks there have been 20 laboratory-confirmed measles cases detected across the country, of which the majority were from Limpopo.

“In the provinces where an outbreak has been declared, the most affected age groups are still the five to nine year olds (43%) with a considerable proportion of cases reported among the one to four (24%) and 10-14 age groups (20%),” reads the report.

The report adds that vaccination campaigns have so far included those aged 10 to 14.

“The majority of cases were reported from primary healthcare facilities, and the highest proportion of cases reported from hospitals was reported in children under the age of one.”

KZN measles outbreak

In KZN, a measles outbreak was declared on March 1 after four laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported in eThekwini.

“There are 20 cases in this province as of week 16 of 2023, with no new cases reported in weeks 15 and 16. Seven of these cases were vaccinated, while the status of the 12 cases is unknown.”

NICD has urged members of the public to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles.

Today is World Press Freedom Day.

Irma Green, Group Editor of Caxton Local Media, says the threat to local journalism has become more prevalent over the past two years.

“Even on a hyperlocal level we are experiencing an increase of events where our journalists are threatened, intimidated and withheld from reporting on stories in their communities. We do, however, act vigorously on these threats and haven’t shied away to address any of the threats made against us.

“It does have an impact on our journalists and their well-being as many of these threats are directed not only to them but also towards their families.”