West Rand Health squashes rubella or measles outbreak rumours

West Rand District Health Services is experiencing an increase in the number of incidents reported from schools regarding learners having a suspicious rash that spreads quickly in the school environment.

According to West Rand District Health Services communication officer Nomagugu Hloma, the rash that has been identified in learners differs in severity and distinctive features, which range from inflamed, and fine to bumpy. She said it also presents in different areas of the body.

“None of the learners at the government health facilities had any other symptoms besides the rash. Recently, a private healthcare practitioner has been diagnosing children with rubella without a confirmatory test.

“It was concluded the symptoms the learners have been presenting with are not rubella or measles, which is defined as a highly contagious disease caused by the measles and rubeola virus. Among the symptoms present include fever and a rash that is small, red, flat spots that start on the face or head and then spread downwards over the body. The rash does not form blisters, nor is it itchy or painful. The rash will include other symptoms such as a cough, conjunctivitis [red eyes] and coryza [runny nose],” Hloma said.

Hloma added it is important to note that these conditions can only be confirmed with a blood test. It is also a notifiable medical condition that must be notified on the Notifiable Medical Condition app within 24 hours.

“The rash that has been suspected is defined as a viral rash, and is common in all areas, including schools, with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. To avoid spread, avoid sharing eating utensils and practice regular handwashing and/ or sanitation. There is no need to isolate children who have this rash,” Hloma stated.

She concluded, “Given recent tragic incidents relating to learners in schools in recent days, the West Rand District Health Services would like to alleviate the fear and misconception surrounding the rumours that there is no rubella or measles outbreak in the district and that surveillance is done continuously to detect any outbreak pone disease.”