A health worker prepares a syringe with a dose of measles vaccine.
Provided by Bhekisisa, Samuel Sieber, MSF
- A measles outbreak has been reported in Bethlehem in the Free State.
- There have been more than 220 reported cases of measles across the country.
- The government intends to launch a national immunization campaign in 2023.
There has been an outbreak of measles in the city of Bethlehem in the Free State.
Five cases have been reported, said interim spokeswoman for the health department, Elke de Witt.
“The affected patients are currently receiving treatment,” De Witt said.
The Free State cases come as part of a nationwide outbreak that has affected four other provinces.
Most of the cases have been recorded in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, News24 previously reported. More than 220 cases have been reported nationally with around half of them in Limpopo.
READ | Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces claim highest measles cases as infections rise to 227
The national health department has expressed concern that inter-provincial travel during the festive season could further spread the disease.
The department has launched an immunization campaign in Limpopo and said a national campaign will be launched in February.
Measles is a viral infection that is highly contagious and can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, swelling of the brain, and even death. Measles is spread from person to person by close respiratory contact. It usually takes 10 to 14 days after exposure to a person with measles before the first symptoms develop.
“Parents are reminded that the purpose of the Expanded Program on Immunization in South Africa (EPI-SA) is to prevent death and reduce suffering from childhood diseases that can be prevented by immunizing men, women and children,” De Witt said.
“The Free State Department of Health is calling on members of the community to be vigilant and go to their nearest clinic or health care provider. [if they suspect they have measles].”
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