Parents have been urged to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms associated with measles amid an outbreak in the Free State, affecting four municipalities by early July, and to ensure their children are vaccinated. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications. The province has recorded approximately 64 confirmed cases of measles: 38 in Matjhabeng, 12 in Nala, nine in Masilonyana, and five in Tswelopele. 

“In these areas, the affected individuals are primarily children aged between five and nine years,” said Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi.

“We urge all parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against measles. The measles vaccine is safe and effective – it is the best way to protect your child and the broader community from this disease.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads rapidly when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can result in serious illness, complications, or even death.

Measles can lead to severe complications in children. Photo: Facebook/South African Government

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports that in the first half of 2025, a total of 379 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and 409 cases of rubella (commonly known as German measles) were recorded.

Of the 379 measles cases reported since the start of the year, 279 were in Gauteng and 59 in the Free State – mostly in the Lejweleputswa District and Matjhabeng Sub-district. During the same period, 143 rubella cases were reported in the North West, out of 403 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide.

Rubella is a virus that is mostly harmless in adults and children, but can be dangerous for pregnant women.

Rubella is a virus that is mostly harmless in adults and children. Photo: Adobe stock

“The public should act swiftly to protect children from this highly contagious disease, as most of the affected individuals are children between the ages of five and nine,” said Mvambi.

“Symptoms include a runny nose, red rash, tiredness, coughing, fever, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). If your child shows any of these symptoms, take them to the nearest healthcare facility immediately.”

According to the NICD, measles and rubella primarily affect children between the ages of one and 15. However, fever rash surveillance, which tracks the spread of these viruses, shows a rise in measles and rubella cases in the 15 to 49 age group.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh