Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces have claimed the highest measles infections as positive cases climb to 227.
- The National Institute of Communicable Diseases has reported 227 laboratory-confirmed measles cases.
- Limpopo has 110 cases and Mpumalanga has 64.
- Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their children to prevent further spread.
Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces continue to record the most measles infections.
The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) said laboratory-confirmed measles cases had risen to 227 nationwide, with Limpopo recording 110 cases and Mpumalanga 64 during the outbreak. North West has 27 cases, Gauteng has 10 and the Free State has five.
“The number of measles cases in the country continues to rise. Prevention and control of measles outbreaks can only be achieved through vaccination. Doctors across the country are urged to be vigilant for measles cases “, the NICD said.
Last week, the Department of Health confirmed 184 cases. He said interprovincial travel during the festive season raised concerns of further spread and urged parents to get their children vaccinated.
READ | Health department urges parents to vaccinate children amid rise in measles infections
“We are very concerned about the sudden increase in laboratory-confirmed cases within a week. We urge parents in provinces, districts and beyond the outbreak to ensure their children have a safer and healthier festive season by keeping them updated. with the vaccination schedule, especially since there will be trans-provincial travel to and from critical areas,” he said.
The department previously launched an immunization campaign in Limpopo and said a national campaign would be launched in February.
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