Dunoon measles outbreak prompts urgent vaccination drive

Dunoon has recorded 70 measles cases since November, as health officials move to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.

According to the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, a total of 138 measles cases were confirmed across the Southern Western substructures between November 8 last year and  January 28 this year, with half of these reported in Dunoon.

In response, the Department is rolling out a series of community vaccination outreaches in Dunoon aimed at strengthening childhood immunisation coverage and preventing further infections. Routine immunisation efforts have also been intensified.

Health officials say vaccination campaigns have been scaled up since October 2024, including school-based and community outreach programmes, to make vaccines more accessible to families.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness affecting the respiratory system.

Symptoms include a high fever, rash, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a persistent cough. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and confirmed through laboratory testing.

Sister Nomakhazi Shoko, operational nursing manager at Du Noon Community Health Centre, said healthcare workers are witnessing how rapidly the virus can spread.

“As healthcare workers, we are seeing firsthand how quickly measles can spread in our communities. Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect your child and those around them,” she said.

Parents and caregivers are urged to monitor children for symptoms and to seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility if measles is suspected.

“I strongly encourage all parents and caregivers to make use of the free vaccination services available. By vaccinating our children, we are protecting our entire community,” said Ms Shoko.

Children should receive two doses of the measles vaccine - the first at six months and the second at 12 months.

Free childhood vaccinations, including catch-up doses, are available at all public health facilities.

The department will also be visiting schools and early childhood development centres in Dunoon. Parents are reminded to ensure their children’s routine immunisations are up to date and to sign consent forms when school vaccination teams conduct visits.

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