The Gauteng Health Department has intensified its response to public healthcare following a continued rise in measles cases across the province.

A total of 181 cases have been confirmed from January 1 to June 13.

Many of these cases emanate from Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni districts.

The Department’s Spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says the outbreak remains active in specific hotspot areas, including Mamelodi and Winterveld in Pretoria, where 35 and 10 cases have been reported, respectively.

Modiba says, “The outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine.”

He says, “Immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane, significantly below the level required to prevent outbreaks. This has contributed to the steady increase in cases, including among individuals who had previously been vaccinated, and even among some adults.”

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