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The Western Cape Department of Health says free childhood vaccines are available at all public health facilities
The Western Cape Department of Health has warned of a rise in measles cases in areas including Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Eerste River, Somerset West, Mfuleni, Kraaifontein, and Wesbank.
Spokesperson, Monique Johnstone, says declining childhood vaccination rates are contributing to outbreaks of measles, rubella, and diphtheria.
She says the Department is prioritising immunisation drives, targeted vaccination outreach, and community engagement to protect children from serious complications associated with measles.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease that infects the respiratory tract. Symptoms of measles include high fever, rash, runny nose, conjunctivitis and coughing. Healthcare practitioners can diagnose measles on signs and symptoms and a blood sample collected for laboratory testing,” adds Johnstone.
She says free childhood vaccines are available at all public health facilities, and catch-up doses can be given if a child has missed a vaccination.
“Vaccines are also available through the private sector facilities and private-public partnerships,” she adds.
[WATCH] South Africa is seeing a rise in measles cases, with over 700 confirmed infections this year. Gauteng is hardest hit, followed by the Free State and Mpumalanga. Jack Manamela, Epidemiologist at the NICD, unpacks the details. pic.twitter.com/tgBAO1JoAd
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 28, 2025
