Measles cases increase in Gauteng

The South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has called for increased surveillance of new measles cases in Gauteng, this as the province has shown an increase in reported cases over the last two weeks. 

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INCREASE IN MEASLES CASES

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The Institute says that for five weeks the recorded just five positive measles. However, that number has since increased 28 new cases between epidemiological weeks 34-36 across the country. 

In the week ending 9 September 2023, 16 new cases were announced, 11 of which were located in Gauteng. 

The Institute says that is a need to insure that there is no outbreak in areas where cases have been eradicated. 

“Strengthening surveillance for measles is recommended so as not to miss sporadic cases in the areas where measles are not reported after the measles vaccination campaign”, the company says. 

“Prevention and control of measles outbreaks can only be achieved through vaccination” they added.

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HOW TO DECLARE MEASLES OUTBREAK OVER 

Since the start of the measles outbreak in 2022 the NICD has tested 6894 serum samples for measles of which 1171 were confirmed measles cases. 

Limpopo lead with 523 cases, the North West with 221 and Gauteng with 206 cases. 

Three province’s (Northern Cape, North West, Free State). According to the NICD, to declare the measles outbreak over, there has no be no newly detected measles cases for more than two incubation periods (42 days).