The City of Tshwane Health Department has noted with concern three new laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in Tshwane. On 1 and 2 February 2023, a five-year-old girl from New Eersterus in Region 2 and a nine-year-old boy from Olievenhoutbosch in Region 4 were confirmed to have contracted measles.
As per standard practice, once a case is confirmed, the Tshwane outbreak response teams begins conducting targeted measles vaccinations. The two latest cases come after another confirmed case of a 14-year-old boy from Soshanguve in Region 1. The 14-year-old was detected on 25 January 2023 and immediately received healthcare. Tshwane now has 17 confirmed cases of measles dating back to May 2022.
The national Department of Health has recommended that all provinces embark on a national measles outbreak response campaign, targeting children from 6 months to 15 years. Gauteng commenced with the campaign on 28 December 2022. As of 3 February 2023, 177 594 measles vaccinations had been administered in Tshwane as part of the campaign. However, this only constitutes 19% of the targeted number of children in the mentioned age group.
Measles vaccinations are not compulsory at schools. However, the Health Department strongly advises parents to use this opportunity to protect their children. Apart from the ongoing school vaccination programme, parents and caregivers can also take children to their nearest health facility for vaccination.
Measles is a highly contagious, potentially deadly but preventable disease. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red eyes) and a runny nose. Measles complications can include diarrhoea, dehydration, brain infection, blindness and death. Serious complications can occur in infants and malnourished children.
As the MMC responsible for Health, I would like to assure our residents that the situation is being closely monitored. It is imperative that childhood vaccinations are kept up to date, especially for children between the ages of 6 months and 15 years.