Central SA
Measles cases rise across Central South Africa─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:12 Wed, 28 Jan 2026
The national measles surveillance has detected a rise in cases across the country.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports South Africa has recorded 139 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, the majority of which are in the Western Cape. Other affected provinces include Gauteng with 14 cases, the Free State with six, the Northern Cape with four, and the North West with three.
The report showed that as of Friday, 16 January, outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa district municipality in the Free State, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipalities in North West, and Frances Baard district municipality in the Northern Cape.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can lead to serious health complications.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Photo: Facebook/South African Government
It spreads rapidly when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can result in serious illness, complications, or even death.
“The measles surveillance in 2025 showed that measles circulation increased in the winter and spring seasons,” the NICD said in a statement. “Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring.
“Outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.”
Rubella primarily affects children between the ages of one and 15. Photo: Adobe Stock
The 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.
Rubella is a virus that is mostly harmless in adults and children, but can be dangerous for pregnant women.
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.”
The NICD says 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.
In July last year, the Free State recorded approximately 64 confirmed cases of measles: 38 in Matjhabeng, 12 in Nala, nine in Masilonyana, and five in Tswelopele.
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