Limpopo – The outbreak of measles in South Africa, which was confined to Sekhukhune district in Limpopo has now spread to the Mopani district. Three new cases have been reported in Giyani, Limpopo which takes the number of cases reported to 15. Under the World Health Organisation standards, Giyani meets the requirements for this to be declared an outbreak.
A measles outbreak was first reported in Zimbabwe, and they are taking extreme measures to curb the spread of it. Dr. Nishi Prabdial-Sing, from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, believes the measles epidemic in Limpopo can be linked back to Zimbabwe but there are also other reasons for the outbreak.
“We do see an infiltration into South Africa amongst other reasons why the measles cases are rising in the country. One of those could be due to the Covid pandemic as well as the lockdown. Moms and caregivers were not taking children for their vaccines and now we have measles rampant particularly in the Limpopo Province.”
Vaccinated kids are still getting measles
The first cases were reported on 24 September. In less than 10 days, another 14 were reported. While one of the causes has been named as unvaccinated kids, some of those who have contracted the virus are vaccinated. Prabdial-Sing explained it is rare for vaccinated children to get measles, but their symptoms will be less severe than unvaccinated children.
“There are rare cases where after immunisation, if it’s rampant in an area, the child can get the virus. The vaccine will protect the child from getting an outright measles infection with damaging effects and serious consequences. The vaccine to a large extent does protect the child and will present with mild disease in those children that are vaccinated.”
It has been documented that measles can be fatal to children under the age of five. They can also present with serious illness.
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The steps to take going forward
It is important to understand the symptoms of measles. There are many children who are unvaccinated which makes it easier for measles to spread. If a child is suspected to have measles, Prabdial-Sing has advised parents to seek medical attention immediately so that their child can be tested for it.
“It presents with fever and this rash which are small flat spots that’s present from the head moving down the neck, trunk and limbs. Also cough, red eyes, conjunctivitis and runny nose might be symptoms in the early phase of measles … It’s very important to isolate those individuals that are presenting with symptoms and have tested positive. That prevents the spread of the virus in the community and in the schools.”
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How it impacts adults
Measles can spread from children to adults. If you had your vaccines when you were a child, you should be protected for life. If a vaccinated adult does get it, the symptoms should be very mild, said Prabdial-Sing. However, if an unvaccinated adult gets it the consequences can be very dire.
“If you are over the age of 20 and you didn’t have the vaccine there are dire and serious consequences. If you do pick up measles now you can get encephalitis pneumonia and even death from measles in the older age groups. It’s very important that you also make sure that you are immune.”
