The Tshwane District measles outbreak has been deemed to be contained after more than 42 days, or two incubation periods, have elapsed with no additional cases being discovered.
As of July 11, 2022, no additional laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported to be connected to the measles epidemic in Tshwane District, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
“There are still four confirmed cases of the measles that have been epidemiologically connected to the outbreak in the Tshwane District.
The final case of measles that was confirmed in a lab was reported on June 25, 2022, according to the NICD.
Furthermore, there was no epidemiological connection between the home-based school facility epidemic and any subsequent laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the district.
Furthermore, the NICD said that the City of Tshwane and provincial health officials carried out public health investigations and responses that led to the measles vaccination campaign in daycare centres and schools where the outbreak occurred as well as places where another case was discovered.
The institute reported that Gauteng is preparing a measles vaccination program for kids between the ages of six and 14 to boost immunity and stop the spread of the disease.
The institute recommended that doctors and babysitters keep an eye on the children’s immunization records to make sure they are up to date with their measles vaccinations.
Measles vaccinations are typically given to children between the ages of six and twelve months, and those who missed their shots should receive catch-up doses.
According to the NICD, measles is a highly contagious illness that spreads via infectious respiratory droplets released into the air by an infected person while coughing or sneezing.
It frequently manifests with any of the three Cs—conjunctivitis, cough, and coryza—and respiratory tract symptoms.
The disease’s distinctive maculopapular rash often develops before other symptoms, such as fever, exhaustion, and muscle discomfort, manifest.
The complex measles that can cause bronchopneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva), and, very rarely, encephalitis can affect children under the age of one (inflammation of the brain).
“These problems, especially in immunocompromised or malnourished youngsters, may result in permanent harm and/or death.
For at least a year following infection, healthy children who contract measles experience temporary immunosuppression and are more vulnerable to typical childhood diseases.