‘Concerning immunity gap': Gauteng measles outbreak linked to low vaccination rate
A measles outbreak has been recorded in Gauteng.
More than 180 cases have been reported in the Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni districts.
The outbreak has been attributed to a lack of vaccination.
Gauteng is in the grips of a measles outbreak, prompting a 'public health response' from the provincial health department.
Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said 181 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported between the start of the year and 13 June in the Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni districts.
The last cluster outbreaks were recorded in 2022.
'The outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine,' Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
'Immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane, significantly below the level required to prevent outbreaks. This has contributed to the steady increase in cases, including among individuals who had previously been vaccinated and even among some adults,' she added.
Nkomo-Ralehoko urged parents and guardians to ensure children were vaccinated and to work with health teams during school and community campaigns.
'We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent the further spread of highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. Vaccination is simple and safe, and it is our best protection against harmful diseases. We encourage everyone to support our outreach teams and protect our children's health,' the MEC added.
Sixteen hospital admissions linked to measles have been reported in Tshwane. All of the people have since been discharged.
No deaths have been reported.
'The public is reminded that individuals infected with measles must isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission,' Nkomo-Ralehoko added.
Gauteng has reported a total of 157 confirmed #Measles and 37 #Rubella cases this year. Parents are encouraged to ensure that they're children are immunised with the MR vaccine. The first dose is given at 6 months after birth and the second dose at 12 months. #VaccinesSaveLives pic.twitter.com/Tj2JnX906f
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) June 17, 2025
Dr Kerrigan McCarthy, a pathologist at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases' Centre for Vaccines and Immunology said national epidemiological data also showed an increase in laboratory-confirmed measles cases from Lejweleputswa municipality in the Free State.
'When community vaccination coverage is less than 95%, measles infection is able to spread within a community,' McCarthy added.
'Gauteng province presently has a low vaccination coverage, with estimated rates ranging from 75 to 85%. Measles vaccination is safe, and effective, and not only prevents measles, but also prevents complications that often follow measles infection, including increased risk of other infections, such as tuberculosis, hospitalisation and death from other causes of illness.'
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