ELEVEN laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been recorded in the Western Cape since the start of the year, said the provincial Department of Health and Wellness.
“It is important to note that these cases were sporadic and do not currently constitute an outbreak. However, sub-optimal vaccination coverage does increase our risk,” said Shimoney Regter, department spokesperson.
Measles is a contagious disease and its symptoms include fever, a spreading rash, cough, red eyes, and a runny nose.
Complications can include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection, and blindness.
At least 95% vaccination coverage is required to prevent measles outbreaks and achieve herd immunity, the department said, although it did not specify the current coverage levels across the province.
Professor Talitha Crowley, the academic division head at the School of Nursing at the UWC, said…