WC sees increase in measles outbreaks in both urban and rural areas

The Western Cape (WC) Department of Health and Wellness has warned that it continues to see an increase in measles outbreaks in both urban and rural areas of the province, while simultaneously managing cases of diphtheria in parts of the Cape Metropole.

According to the department, measles cases have been reported in several areas, including Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Eerste River, Somerset West, Mitchells Plain, Kraaifontein, Wesbank, Du Noon, Fisantekraal and Citrusdal on the West Coast. Diphtheria cases are also being monitored in parts of the Cape Metropole.

Department spokesperson Monique Johnstone says the rise in measles cases is not unique to the Western Cape, as South Africa is currently experiencing a decline in childhood vaccination uptake.

She warns that this poses a serious public health risk and threatens efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases.

“This decline contributed to multiple outbreaks of measles, rubella, and diphtheria across the Province, signalling serious gaps in population immunity,” added Johnstone

Johnstone says ensuring adequate immunisation coverage remains a top priority for the department. Since October 2024, immunisation efforts have been intensified to protect young children from serious and potentially life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.

With the festive season approaching and an expected increase in holiday travel and family visits, the department is urging parents and legal guardians to ensure that children are fully immunised to prevent severe complications or hospitalisation.

The department has implemented an early warning and response system, which includes strengthening coordination, intensifying disease surveillance, improving clinical management of cases and enhancing community engagement.

Targeted vaccination outreach programmes will be prioritised in areas experiencing rapid increases in measles cases, and healthcare facilities will remain open during the holiday season to assist with immunisation coverage.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that infects the respiratory tract. Symptoms of measles include high fever, rash, runny nose, conjunctivitis and coughing. Healthcare practitioners can diagnose measles based on signs and symptoms, and a blood sample can be collected for laboratory testing.

Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by a toxin (poison) made by a bacterium. It causes a thick coating in the back of the nose or throat that makes it hard to breathe or swallow. Diphtheria starts with a sore throat, mild fever and chills.

Johnstone says free childhood vaccines and catch-up doses are available at all public health facilities, with vaccines also accessible through private healthcare providers. The department has urged parents not to assume their children are immune and to ensure routine immunisations are up to date.

“Help us protect our children by taking them for their routine immunisations and signing consent forms when our school vaccination teams visit their school.”