The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has declared a measles outbreak after three cases from two healthcare facilities were reported in the Greater Sekhukhune District, Limpopo, within 30 days.<\/p>\n
\u201cA measles outbreak is classified as three laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported within 30 days in a district, and a public health response investigation is needed to identify new measles cases and vaccination of the contacts to prevent the spread of the disease,\u201d the NICD explained on Thursday.<\/p>\n
According to the public health institute, the first two measles cases had an onset date of 22 and 25 September 2022, respectively. Meanwhile, the third case was reported on 2 October 2022.<\/p>\n
The measles cases were detected in children aged 11 years, a year old and 11 months, respectively.<\/p>\n
The NICD said two children have not been vaccinated for measles, while the other child\u2019s vaccination status is unknown.<\/p>\n
According to the NICD, the Greater Sekhukhune District, with the support of the Limpopo Health Department, started measles case finding and vaccination targeting children between six months and 15 years.<\/p>\n
As of 7 October 2022, the NICD said, 2 052 children have been vaccinated in Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality and Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, where measles cases were detected.<\/p>\n
The NICD is waiting for the updated report from Limpopo.<\/p>\n
The institution has since urged clinicians to be on the alert for measles cases, especially in Limpopo, as large measles outbreaks are occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.<\/p>\n
Measles, according to the institute, presents with fever, malaise, cough, conjunctivitis, and a runny nose.<\/p>\n
In addition, a maculopapular non-itchy, non-vesicular rash appears on the face, neck, trunk and limbs, usually on day four of the illness.<\/p>\n
The NICD said other measles complications are pneumonia, scarring of the cornea, and rarely encephalitis.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeasles is highly infectious and spreads rapidly from person to person,\u201d the institute explained, adding that unvaccinated people of any age can catch measles and develop the disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cClinicians and caregivers should check children\u2019s road-to-health booklets to ensure measles vaccinations are up to date.\u201d<\/p>\n
Measles vaccines, according to the NICD, are given routinely at six and 12 months of age.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is never too late to vaccinate against measles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Suspected measles cases should be notified on the NICD\u2019s Notifiable Medical Conditions system.<\/p>\n
Source: Government of South Africa<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"