THE National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has warned all South Africans to be on high alert, as an outbreak of measles has hit multiple provinces countrywide.
KZN is among six provinces affected by this disease, with the NICD confirming six related cases.
According to uThungulu Health District’s Assistant Communications Manager, Sibongiseni Manqele, there has been one confirmed measles case within the district.
He said, ‘The laboratory confirmed case was due to the child having no immunisation card and therefore no information on immunisation status was available.
‘An outbreak response was then conducted which saw the health department visiting the homestead, to check on other children (contacts) in Primary Schools and Crèches,’ Manqele added.
Parents are urged to take their children to the nearest health facility for routine immunisations and check-ups.
‘Measles Immunisation is offered as per the immunisation schedule (9 months and 18 months). Thereafter, every three years a national campaign is conducted,’ Manqele said.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus and spreads through the air as a result of coughing and sneezing.
Complications to this disease could be severe, including middle ear infection, croup, pneumonia, diarrhoea and encephalitis.
Symptoms to look out for:
• High fever, rising over 3 days
• Runny nose
• A harsh, dry cough
• Red, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) and aversion to bright light
• Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
