Measles cases in Greater Sekhukhune district increase

The number of measles cases in the Greater Sekhukhune district in Limpopo increased to 11 on Thursday.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said four more cases were reported on October 20 2022.

The ages of those with measles range from nine months to 24 years.

The NICD said three children were fully vaccinated for measles.

“Six measles cases had unknown vaccination histories, and two children had not been vaccinated against measles. One measles case was hospitalised and another developed pneumonia without hospitalisation,” it said.

The NICD said together with support from the  World Health Organisation and Limpopo and Greater Sekhukhune health officials, they have started public health response activities.

“These activities include evaluating medical records to identify missing measles cases, contact tracing, screening for suspected measles cases using the measles surveillance case definition, and collecting blood and throat swabs for measles diagnostic tests,” said the NICD.

The institute said measles patients present with fever, rash and one or more of the symptoms of coughing, red eyes, and runny nose.

“Complications include pneumonia, diarrhoea, dehydration, encephalitis, blindness and death. Measles complications are severe in malnourished children and se young infants under two years of age. People of any age who are not vaccinated can catch measles and develop the disease. Clinicians and caregivers should be on alert for anyone presenting with symptoms and signs and check children’s road to health booklets to ensure measles vaccinations are up to date. Measles vaccines are given routinely at six and 12 months of age. It is never too late to vaccinate against measles,” said the NICD.

The institute said suspected measles cases should be notified on the notifiable medical conditions system.

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