The DA is concerned that the four diagnosed measles cases in Gauteng could lead to a wider outbreak amongst approximately 20% of young children who are not vaccinated.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health and member of parliament Jack Bloom said in a statement the measles vaccine is supposed to be given to all children at six and at nine months.
“Figures from the Gauteng Health Department show that measles second dose vaccination rates have dropped in the last few years to about 80%. It used to be close to 100% but declined even before the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Bloom.
He added that measles are highly contagious and could lead to serious complications and even death in young children who are immuno-compromised and malnourished.
According to the World Health Organization, two or more cases in a single district are regarded as an outbreak. The reported cases so far are three in Tshwane, and one case on the West Rand.”
West Rand District Health Services communications officer Nomagugu Hloma also confirmed that there is currently only one laboratory-confirmed case of measles on the West Rand.
The DA urges all parents to keep up to date with all child vaccinations which are available free of charge at public clinics, and said the Gauteng Health Department needs to take special measures to reverse the slippage in vaccine coverage for children.
