Stay safe from measles this festive season

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children are fully vaccinated this festive season, as measles outbreaks continue to rise across several urban and rural areas in the province.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease, with symptoms including high fever, rash, runny nose, coughing, and conjunctivitis.

Communities currently affected include Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Eerste River, Somerset West, Mitchells Plain, Kraaifontein, Wesbank, Du Noon, Fisantekraal, and Citrusdal on the West Coast.

Health officials are also managing cases of diphtheria, a contagious bacterial disease, in parts of the Cape Metropole.

The department said the increase in measles cases is linked to a national decline in childhood vaccination uptake, which has contributed to outbreaks of measles, rubella and diphtheria across the province. 

Previous reports in October indicated that the provincial data for 2024/25 showed that vaccination coverage for children under one year had fallen to 67.4%, below the target of 95%.

With increased travel and family gatherings expected during the holiday period, parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit health facilities to ensure children are up to date with routine vaccinations.

"Targeted vaccination outreaches will be prioritised in the areas where we see a rapid increase in measles cases, and our healthcare facilities will be open to assist with immunisation coverage during the holiday season," said the department in a statement.

Health officials advise parents to keep children at home if symptoms appear and to seek medical attention immediately if a child develops a fever, becomes lethargic, or struggles to eat.

Complications can include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection and blindness, particularly in infants and malnourished children.

Diphtheria, caused by a bacterial toxin, affects the throat and airways and can make breathing or swallowing difficult. It spreads through coughing and sneezing and can be prevented through routine childhood vaccinations, including the hexavalent and Tdap vaccines.

Free childhood vaccines and catch-up doses are available at all public health facilities, while vaccinations can also be accessed through private healthcare providers.