The department of health has confirmed a measles outbreak in the province, with 901 positive cases recorded from 1,480 suspected cases. Most of those affected are children between the ages of five and 14, prompting renewed calls for parents and caregivers to ensure children are vaccinated against the contagious viral infection.

The department has encouraged communities to prioritise vaccination and seek medical attention promptly if children develop symptoms such as fever, coughing, a rash or red eyes, as efforts continue to prevent further transmission of the highly contagious virus.

Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body. Photo: iStock

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus; it spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, according to the World Health Organisation. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death.

Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children. The disease infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body.

“The Free State department of health can confirm there is a measles outbreak in the province, with 1,480 suspected cases reported and 901 of those cases confirmed,” said Free State health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi.

“Most of the confirmed cases are among children, so we urge parents to be vigilant. If a child has a fever, cough, rash, or red eyes, they should be taken to the nearest clinic as soon as possible.

“Vaccination against measles remains the most effective method of prevention, and we encourage parents to make sure that their children are up to date with their vaccinations.”

Early symptoms usually last between four and seven days. They include: fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks. Most deaths from measles are from complications related to the disease. Complications can include: blindness, encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling and potentially brain damage), severe diarrhoea and related dehydration, ear infections, and severe breathing problems including pneumonia.

In July, the Free State reported the highest number of measles cases nationally with 132 new cases, followed by the Western Cape with 58, Gauteng with 46 and the Northern Cape with 44.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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