Update on measles outbreak

Measles is a highly infectious notifiable viral disease which commonly presents with high fever, a general feeling of unwellness, coughing, a runny nose, teary red eyes which are sensitive to light, followed by a rash two to three days later. Complications from measles are life threatening.

“The Gauteng Department of Health embarked on a strategy to curb an outbreak of measles through an immunisation campaign in the area where the cases were identified,” says Gadebe.

The campaign aimed to immunise all children from six months to 15 years, irrespective of their immunisation status (if they have received the measles vaccination before).

In addition, the Ekurhuleni district has stepped-up the surveillance and reporting of any suspect or confirmed cases through its Outbreak Response Team.

“Any suspect cases should immediately be reported so that cases can be followed-up and contacts can be immunised.”

The Outbreak Response Measles and Vitamin ‘A’ Campaign was held from  December 8 where there were confirmed cases of measles.

The target group for vaccination was:

•  Measles Vaccine: six months to 15 years
• Vitamin ‘A’: six to 59 months

“Not all children will contract measles, only those who were not immunized against measles at nine and 18 months of age and who come into contact with measles will be susceptible.”

Children who did not receive their booster second dose of measles at 18 months may have failed to seroconvert (produce antibodies against measles).

Adults can contract measles if they have been exposed and were not immunized against measles.

Only children have been affected thus far and therefore the campaign is targeting children.

“Adults who have been exposed are also vaccinated against measles,” Gadebe added.

Prevent contracting measles by getting a routine vaccination.

Symptomatic treatment of signs and symptoms which may be present for one to two weeks:

• High temperature

• A raised red rash

• Red patches on the skin

• Runny nose

• Cough

• Watery red eyes

• Sensitivity to light.

Adherence to routine immunization schedule according to the National Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

Measles is life threatening because it is contagious from approximately four days before the rash to one week after the appearance of the rash.

Serious complications may occur including:

•  Pneumonia

• Ear infection which may lead to deafness

• Severe eye infection may lead to permanent eye defects

• Diarrhoea leading to dehydration

• Brain infection.

“At the moment the only areas which are affected is the Tembisa and Northmead Area where six cases have been reported to date and which were targeted by the Outbreak Response Measles Campaign,” says Gadebe.