Measles outbreak sets off national vaccination campaign
This respiratory disease is contagious and can lead to secondary infections, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, which can be fatal to children.
THE National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) is urging all parents to vaccinate their children against measles after it saw an escalation in cases.
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In December, the number of cases rose from 200 to 500 in January, and the disease has now spread across five provinces – Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State.
The NICD said that children were the most at risk for contracting measles and it could lead to secondary infections, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, which can be fatal to children.
The National Department of Health has initiated a measles vaccination campaign from February 6 to 17 at local clinics. Don’t forget to take your child’s ‘road to health’ card when immunising them.
Children aged between six months and 15 years of age should be immunised.
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