KZN measles outbreak

Children from six months up to 15 years must get vaccinated against measles. Image: AFP

Measles outbreak in Gauteng sees DA pointing finger at ‘reckless’ parents

An outbreak of measles in Gauteng has political parties quacking. The DA’s no exception as the party speaks out on the disease’s impact.

KZN measles outbreak

Children from six months up to 15 years must get vaccinated against measles. Image: AFP

The measles outbreak in Gauteng could have a devastating impact. As many as 20 per cent of all young children in the province are in danger of contracting the disease.

This is according to the Democratic Alliance (DA), which expressed concern about the four detected cases in the province. Measles spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing.

Wide-ranging symptoms point to measles infection

Symptoms, including coughing, a runny nose, and sore throat, only appear within 10 to 14 days after exposure. DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom said unvaccinated children are most prone to getting the viral infection.

He emphasised that parents should have the vaccine given to their children at six and nine months. However, the latest figures from the Gauteng Department of Health (DOH) paint a grim picture.

It shows that measles vaccination rates for the second dose dropped drastically in the past several years. What was previously close to a 100 per cent vaccination now hovers around 20 per cent.

“It declined even before the disruption caused by Covid-19. Measles is highly contagious and could lead to serious complications. It can even cause death in young children who have compromised immune health.”

said Bloom.

According to various sources, three reported measles cases are in Tshwane and one in the West Rand. Bloom called on parents to keep to the required immunisation schedule. Doing so will ensure they keep up to date with all childhood vaccines.

“The measles vaccines are available free of charge at public clinics. There should be precautions to reverse the deviation in immunising children. The provincial health department is responsibile for correcting the slippage.”

added Bloom.

Isolation necessary, timelines may vary

Meanwhile, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ Dr Nishi Prabdial-Sing said patients must quarantine at the onset of a rash. She recommended an isolation period of between four and six days.

But patients with compromised immunity should quarantine even longer – for up to a week. Prabdial-Sing confirmed the NICD is contact tracing the identified measles cases and offering vaccinations.

“Health officials in the affected areas are working together to identify contacts. They are also promoting vaccination, among other things,”

said Prabdial.

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