Measles outbreak: Gauteng cases skyrocket to 165 – is your child protected?

There have been 165 reports of measles in Gauteng, according to the national institute for communicable diseases (NICD). From October 8, 2022, to April 22, 2023, the NICD tested 5 798 samples for measles, of which they could confirm 17%. In addition, the institute reported that there was news of 964 laboratory-confirmed cases in eight provinces with declared measles outbreaks. Primary health facilities reported most cases, mainly (59%) children under one.

The NICD urges the public to ensure their children receive vaccinations against measles. They estimate that as of April 12, the national reproduction number was 0.65, suggesting that the infection rate is likely decreasing. In Gauteng, the NICD estimated the reproduction number to be 0.85.

Although the NICD has not released the latest infection numbers in Tshwane, Gauteng health spokesperson Motalale Modiba revealed in March that there were 11 confirmed patients in the metro. As a result, the department plans to vaccinate over four million children aged 10 to 14 to curb the spread of the disease.

Source: Measles cases in Gauteng now 165

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