NICD Finds Epidemiologically Linked Cases Of Measles In Gauteng

Written by Umamah Bakharia

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed 4 laboratory cases of measles in Gauteng. Three of the cases are known to be epidemiologically linked in Tshwane, the fourth is in the West Rand.

All patients are said to be isolated and recovering. Speaking to Radio Islam, NICD Specialist Pathologist, Dr Kerrigan McCarthy warns that measles is infectious as cases might increase.

“Measles is preventable through a vaccine and that vaccine unlike the covid vaccine is 100% effective and has a lifelong immunity,” says Dr McCarthy.

However, she says because of Covid, people have not been receiving their measles vaccine.

“This means that we are dealing with a very infectious agent and a population that is not as protected as it was in the past,” says Dr McCarthy.

The disease spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing. Its symptoms don’t appear until 10 to 14 days after exposure. They include cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever and a red, blotchy skin rash.

“There’s good evidence to show that all humans who are infected with measles are mildly compromised for the year after measles infections,” says Dr McCarthy.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has since advised the South African government to declare measles an outbreak.

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