The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports an update on the measles outbreak in South Africa.
According to the report, 665 of the 4250 serum samples tested since epidemiological week 40, 2022, were confirmed positive for measles.
Measles outbreak report
The percentage of positive test samples (PTP) slightly increased from 18% in week 06 to 20% in week 07.
Northern Cape: Outbreak confirmed
Three laboratory-confirmed cases were identified in the Francis Baard district; all three cases were reported at a single facility in Kimberley on February 28.
In provinces where outbreaks have been declared, the most affected age group is 5-9 years old (41%), with a proportion of reported cases between 1-4 (25%) and 10-14 years old. group (20%).
The report suggests that vaccination campaigns should include children aged 10 to 14 years.
Vaccination campaign
With the number of cases on the rise, it is very important for people to be vigilant and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of measles.
NICD urges parents to vaccinate their children.
It also said that the government and other health organizations should prioritize awareness and vaccination campaigns to prevent the spread of the outbreak.