18/06/2025
ALERT | The Gauteng Department of Health says an outbreak of measles in the province has revealed a “concerning immunity gap”, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine.
This follows a continued rise in measles cases in Gauteng, with a total of 181 laboratory-confirmed cases reported between 1 January and 13 June this year. Many of these cases have occurred in the Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni districts.
“This persistent outbreak follows previous clusters dating back to 2022, which led to a measles vaccination campaign in 2023. In the latest reporting period (1-13 June), Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases, 10 of which were reported in Tshwane, two in Johannesburg, two in Ekurhuleni, and one in West Rand,” said Motalatale Modiba, the spokesperson for the Gauteng health department.
There were 40 cases of measles in Gauteng in May — the highest of any month so far this year.
Modiba said the department had intensified its public health response to the outbreak. In the “hotspot areas” of Mamelodi and Winterveld in Tshwane, it has launched an “aggressive” targeted vaccination campaign in schools.
More than 18,000 learners had been vaccinated in more than 15 schools in Mamelodi, and 16 schools in Winterveld, according to Modiba.
“Inter-facility immunisation has also commenced, offering measles-rubella booster doses to all age groups regardless of prior vaccination history,” he said.
“There have been 16 reported hospital admissions linked to measles in Tshwane, all of whom have since been discharged. No deaths have been reported. Health facilities have been instructed to isolate positive cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately.”
According to Modiba, immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remained below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane. - DM.
| |
