Rise in measles cases in Limpopo and Mpumalanga

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said 71 cases of measles with laboratory confirmation have been recorded in SA between September 1 and November 2 as a result of outbreaks in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Last week, 57 cases were recorded, with new cases reported for the first time in Mpumalanga.

“Limpopo has 60 measles cases, affecting four districts: Capricorn, Greater Sekhukhune, Mopani and Waterberg, which have been declared outbreak areas,” the NICD said.

It said Vhembe, with two laboratory–confirmed cases, did not meet the measles outbreak criteria.

The NICD said on October 28, Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga, which shares a border with Greater Sekhukhune and Mopani, was declared a measles outbreak area.

The institute said 11 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported in Mpumalanga, with nine from Ehlanzeni, one from Gert Sibande and one from Nkangala. 

It said the ages of those affected in Limpopo ranged from four months to 42 years, while in Ehlanzeni, 18 months to 10 years. 

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