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Rubella rise in SA: What to know
Although isolated instances were seen across the country, Khayelitsha experienced a rise in rubella cases during the same period.
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In week 36 of September, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) noted a rise in rubella cases in the Western Cape.
Although isolated instances were seen across the country, Khayelitsha experienced a substantial rise in confirmed cases during the same period, reported Times Live.
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RUBELLA RISE: WHAT TO KNOW
As of now, serological tests have confirmed 19 cases among children aged five to nine. Additionally, the NICD observed an increase in suspected cases within the Khayelitsha subdistrict in Cape Town.
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Historically, rubella outbreaks commenced around the first week of September, in week 35. Routine fever rash surveillance typically reports approximately 800 to 1,000 rubella cases each year.
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Rubella, referred to as German measles, is a viral infection affecting both adults and children. It’s a worry in South Africa, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn babies, due to potential harm.
The rubella virus spreads when an infected person releases respiratory droplets, resulting in symptoms like a mild fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain.
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Pregnant women who contract rubella during the initial three months of pregnancy face an increased risk of their babies developing congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), resulting in various health issues.
VACCINATIONS UNDERWAY
To curb the virus’s spread and safeguard at-risk populations, regular MMR vaccinations are vital in South Africa, administered to children at ages 9 and 18 months.
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- The South African Department of Health actively promotes vaccination campaigns.
- These campaigns aim to increase awareness about preventing rubella.
- The ultimate goal is to establish broad community immunity against the virus.
“Community education and the effective utilization of available resources are of utmost importance to ensure all individuals, particularly pregnant women and young children, get the required vaccinations to protect against rubella.”