Kamogelo Olaitan
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) revealed on Tuesday that four cases of measles have been identified in Gauteng.
The NICD said the four cases were confirmed in the last two weeks of May through laboratory testing.
The institute said that it was working with the World Health Organisation and Unicef to investigate and respond to the outbreak.
This was also confirmed by the Department of Health which also said that all individuals are isolated and are recovering.
Centre head for public health surveillance Dr Michelle Groome said non-pharmaceutical measures such as social distancing and washing of hands might not be sufficient to prevent transmission of the measles virus.
“Measles is preventable through a safe and effective vaccine. We urge parents and caregivers to ensure that their children’s vaccinations are up to date,” Dr Groome said.
Measles is a highly contagious disease and it spreads through infectious airborne respiratory droplets from infected persons when coughing or sneezing.
Children younger than five years of age and adults older than 20 are more likely to suffer from complications. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhoea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.
Image source: @CNN
