Measles on the rise across South Africa
The NICD has recorded a significant increase in measles cases across South Africa, with the Western Cape leading recent infections.
South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has warned that measles is on the rise in South Africa. At the same time, cases of rubella seem to be declining.
A recent report issued by NICD shows that 843 confirmed cases of measles were reported across the country. NICD’s report is based on data collected from December 29, 2025, up to March 26.
The Western Cape recorded the highest number of new cases (29) in the latest week. The Western Cape is followed by the Eastern Cape (10), Northern Cape (9), Mpumalanga (8), Limpopo (5), Gauteng (3), Free State (3), and KwaZulu-Natal (1).
In contrast, 184 confirmed cases of rubella were reported during the same period.
This shows a decline compared with the same period in 2025. The NICD collects these figures through the national fever-rash surveillance system.
