By Akani Nkuna
Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has raised concerns over the rise in measles cases across the province, cautioning that many young children remain vulnerable due to low vaccination rates.
She has encouraged parents to vaccinate their children against measles and rubella.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said on Wednesday that the low vaccination rate had created a worrying immunity gap that could lead to more infections if not addressed with urgency.
“We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. Vaccination is simple, safe and is our best protection against harmful diseases.
“We encourage everyone to support our outreach teams and protect our children’s health,” she said in a statement.
Gauteng is still battling measle outbreaks since 2022. The government embarked on a province-wide vaccination drive in 2023. Since the beginning of the year, 181 confirmed cases have been recorded mostly from Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
Of the 15 new cases were reported in the latest update, 10 were confirmed in Tshwane, two in Johannesburg, two in Ekurhuleni and one on the West Rand.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the outbreak remained active in certain areas, with 35 cases in Mamelodi and 10 in Winterveld in Tshwane.
The department said that the measles vaccination coverage in Johannesburg and Tshwane was below 75% and this had led to an increase in cases, including among people who were already vaccinated and some adults.
Despite running vaccination campaigns and erecting mobile vaccination centres in Midrand, Diepsloot, Cosmo, Hillbrow and public spots including taxi ranks, only about 3500 have been vaccinated in Johannesburg.
“There have been 16 reported hospital admissions linked to measles in Tshwane, all of whom have since been discharged. No deaths have been reported. Health facilities have been instructed to isolate positive cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
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