Measles outbreak: the NICD advises a swift reaction to cases in schools

The incidence of measles in South Africa continues to increase. In five provinces, there are over 350 laboratory-confirmed cases.

Between epidemiological week 40 of 2022 and the first week of 2023, 357 laboratory-confirmed cases were found, according to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Five provinces have declared an outbreak of measles:

Limpopo – 140 instances
North West: 114 incidents
Mpumalanga – 75 instances
Gauteng – 16 instances
Twelve Free State instances
In the five provinces, the ages of laboratory-confirmed measles cases range from two months to 42 years. The majority of cases, 146 (41%), were children aged five to nine.

“Of the 357 cases in provinces where a measles outbreak has been declared, the vaccination status was known for 71 (20%), of which 28 (39%) were vaccinated,” the Institute reported.

The NICD was unable to offer data on hospital admissions or fatality rates due to measles. Nonetheless, 102 cases of measles were documented in hospitals as opposed to private healthcare institutions. The Institute stated that reported instances may not have been admitted, but the number indicates the seriousness of the sickness since patients sought care at a tertiary center.

“Patients who are admitted will be a subgroup of these cases. Currently, the biggest proportion of cases observed in tertiary facilities are 1-year-olds, reflecting the increased severity of disease in this age group. stated NICD.

The incidence of measles is on the rise. However, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said that the number of specimens submitted over the past three weeks and the number of positive cases appear to be reducing in comparison to previous weeks.

With the reopening of schools, the Institute emphasized the need for enhanced attention in identifying and responding to incidents in school or creche environments.

Measles outbreaks can only be prevented and contained via vaccination. Parents and caregivers are urged to confirm that their children have got the measles vaccine by reviewing their children’s vaccination records. According to the NICD, “it is never too late to vaccinate; children who have not been vaccinated may receive the measles vaccine at any age over 6 months and at no cost from primary health services.”

Vaccination campaigns planned in response to the outbreak will continue despite the recent decline in the number of reported cases.

As was previously said, consequences of measles include pneumonia, diarrhea, dehydration, encephalitis, blindness, and death.

The effects are more severe in malnourished infants and children younger than two years old, but everyone who is not vaccinated is susceptible to contracting the sickness and developing the illness.