More positive laboratory confirmed measles disease cases are registered in both Sekhukhune and Mopani District in Limpopo. This was confirmed by MEC for health Dr Phophi Ramathuba on Wednesday.
MEC Ramathuba has also advised parents, guardians and caregivers to remain vigilant.
Since the beginning of September 2022, Limpopo Department of Health has been on the alert screening, testing and vaccinating children for measles. This was to avoid the spread of the disease.
As of 01 November 2022, 5 new cases were detected in the Mopani District with 2 from Phalaborwa Municipality, 2 from Greater Giyani Municipality and 1 case from Sekhukhune District in the Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality. It also brings the total number of the Measles cases to 23 to date.
Measles is a viral infection that’s serious for small children but is easily preventable by a vaccine.
The disease spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing.
STAY ALERT AS MORE CASES ARE REPORTED IN LIMPOPO
“If you see any person presenting with fever accompanied by maculopapular rash. Plus, anyone of the three coughs, conjunctivitis, and running nose, we should immediately visit our nearest health care facilities while isolating them for medical care,” said MEC Dr Ramathuba.
“We encourage parents to bring their children to the nearest clinic for measles vaccination catchup. If they have missed the 6 months and 12 months measles program. Let’s help prevent the spread of measles outbreak.
“Our district vaccination teams will also be on the ground to make sure that no child is left unvaccinated. If we work together, we can also defeat this disease,” she said.
WHAT IS MEASLES DISEASE
Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. It is characterized by a prodrome of fever (as high as 105°F) and malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis -the three “C”s -, a pathognomonic enanthema (Koplik spots) followed by a maculopapular rash. The rash usually appears about 14 days after a person is exposed.
