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Measles in South Africa
Monday, 30 November, 2009
An outbreak of measles, first recognised in August, continues to worry authorities.
An immunisation campaign was launched in Sep 2009, as a result of more than 131 measles cases being reported by 30 Aug 2009. The worst affected area was Gauteng province the majority of cases being in the Pretoria health district. Random cases were reported from other parts of the country. An immunisation campaign was launched in September but the number of laboratory confirmed cases of measles increased during the month. Most of these patients were from the Gauteng province, with the majority from the Tshwane district. (Tshwane includes the Pretoria municipal area). However, there were also confirmed cases in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg. The ages of the patients ranged from 2 months to 54 years. The number of new cases continues to increase. Gauteng province remains the worst affected area with 188 new cases registered since 17 Nov 2009. The total number of cases reported in 2009, is 2656 (2292 from Gauteng province).
Travellers should confirm that children and young adults born after 1980 have received their recommended doses of Mumps –Measles-Rubella vaccine. Unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine is required to give adequate protection.
