South Africa is seeing a major surge in measles cases, with 382 confirmed cases in five provinces (Nazir et al., 2023). The number of cases is growing each day, and health officials are ramping up their efforts to get it under control (Nazir et al., 2023). It’s more crucial than ever for parents and caregivers to make sure their children are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations.
An Alarming Increase in Positive Results in Week 4
In week 4, the number of people testing positive for the virus rose to 25% out of 330 tested samples (NICD, 2023). This is a big increase from the previous week, where less than 10% tested positive (NICD, 2023). The results for the following (5th) week seem to be better, but we will have to wait for the complete results to be sure (NICD, 2023).
In the meantime, it’s important to keep a close eye on this situation and take action to stop the virus from spreading, by making sure your kid’s measles vaccines are up-to-date.
Gauteng Sees Most Cases Coming From Ekurhuleni
Most cases in the Gauteng area came from Daveyton and Germiston in Ekurhuleni (NICD, 2023). With two exceptions – a case in Tshwane’s Hammanskraal and another in Johannesburg’s Olievenhoutbosch (NICD, 2023).
Hitting The Young The Hardest
In areas where there’s an outbreak, kids aged 5 to 9 are the most affected, with 40% of cases. A lot of cases are also being reported in younger kids aged 1 to 4 (28%) and kids aged 10 to 14 (17%) (NICD, 2023). This means that vaccinating kids aged 10 to 14 is really important to help control the spread of the disease (NICD, 2023).
Like Our Articles?
If you want to read more articles like this, join our monthly newsletter! We release insider info on what the health research industry is taking a look at each month.
Book with Epicentre
For 20 years Epicentre has been fighting South African’s infectious diseases, and now we’re taking on COVID-19! We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa.
We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
By booking your tests with Epicentre, you are supporting a real local company that has worked for 20 years in all 9 provinces, from Pollsmoor prison to Constantia; & you’re getting a gold standard service that experts trust!
Drive-Thru COVID-19 PCR test
All branches – FREE!
(Not for travel)
Epicentre offers
Walk-In Lab
Please note that our packages are just a guide, you can pick any of these tests in these packages, add extra tests or take out any tests. Choose what suits your needs!
Drive-Thru COVID Tests
Contact Us
Ready to talk? Contact us today for a free consultation!
