Health Department confirms measles cases under control in Western Cape

Eleven laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been recorded in the Western Cape since the beginning of the year, said the provincial Department of Health and Wellness.

“It is important to note that these cases were sporadic and do not currently constitute an outbreak. However, sub-optimal vaccination coverage does increase our risk,” Shimoney Regter, department spokesperson, told Northern News.

Measles is a contagious disease and its symptoms include fever, a spreading rash, cough, red eyes, and a runny nose. Complications can include pneumonia, diarrhea, brain infection, blindness, and measles can place a child’s health at risk. 

At least 95% vaccination coverage is required to prevent measles outbreaks and achieve herd immunity, the department confirmed, although it did not specify the current coverage levels across the province.

Professor Talitha Crowley, the academic division head at the School of Nursing at the University of the Western Cape, said that vaccination coverage in the province is reportedly under 75%, below the threshold to prevent outbreaks.

"To prevent any measles outbreak, we actually need less than 5% who are not vaccinated in a community. In other words, 95% vaccination coverage," she said.

The measles-rubella (MR) vaccine is offered at no cost in public clinics at 6 and 12 months of age as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). Parents can also access vaccines from private providers.

Ms Regter said healthcare workers remain alert to suspected cases through ongoing surveillance. 

“Encouragingly, the Cape Metropole increased its under-5 immunisation coverage to 90% by early 2025, thanks to targeted campaigns... catch-up doses are available for those who missed their vaccinations, with no upper age limit,” said Professor Crowley.

As for prevention, vaccination remains the most effective defence, said Professor Crowley. “One dose of the measles vaccine offers about 93% protection, and two doses increase this to around 97%. While rare, vaccinated individuals can still contract measles, but symptoms are usually mild and less likely to spread.” 

In Gauteng a total of 181 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from January 1 to June 13, with many of these cases emanating from Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni districts.