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Measles

<div class="ExternalClass7D61512790E3485B859AC0C1755D2C69"><p>Find out about measles, as well as the prevention and treatment methods.<br></p></div>

<h2 class="sectHeading">About<br></h2><div> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>measles outbreak and vaccination drive<br></h4><p>Since the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) issued a measles outbreak alert for the Cape Metro district, the number of confirmed measles cases has increased to ten.</p><p> <br> </p><p>A <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Measles%20Vaccination%20Campaign%20Flyer.pdf">measles vaccination campaign</a> is currently underway to boost immunity. So far, a total of 207 025 measles vaccines have been administered in the metro. The campaign ends on <strong>31 March 2023</strong>.</p><p> <br> </p><p>City Health staff are visiting schools and creches to vaccinate children from the ages of 6 months to 14 years and 11 months. Parents and caregivers are requested to sign and return the vaccination consent form promptly. Children can also be taken to any of the <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">City clinics</a>.<br></p></div></div></span></div><p>Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It is normally passed on from person to person through direct contact, and through the air. The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. </p><p>It is one of the leading causes of death among young children, despite a safe and effective preventative vaccine.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Signs and symptoms</h2><p>Look out for the following:</p><ul><li>high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts 4 to 7 days. </li><li>coughing, red and watery eyes, running nose and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. </li><li>approximately 14 days after exposure to the virus, a rash occurs on the face and upper neck. It looks like small, red, flat spots and does not form blisters. It is also not itchy or painful. </li><li>the rash spreads over the body over 3 days and fades after 5 or 6 days. </li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Who is at risk?</h2><p>Unvaccinated young children are at highest risk of measles and its complications, including death. Others at risk include unvaccinated pregnant women and anyone who has not been vaccinated. If you were vaccinated but did not develop immunity, you are also at risk.</p> <h2 class="sectHeading">Treatment</h2><p>There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. However, you can avoid serious complications by:</p><div><ul><li>drinking enough fluids,</li><li>treating dehydration with an oral rehydration solution to replace fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting;</li><li>taking paracetamol;</li><li>wiping down the body with a lukewarm cloth to treat fever.</li></ul></div><p>If a related infection, or pneumonia, occurs, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics.<br></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Prevention</h2><p>Routine measles vaccination for children. The vaccine is safe, effective, inexpensive and has been in use for more than 50 years. Two doses of the measles vaccine are recommended to ensure immunity and prevent outbreaks.<br></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Complications</h2><p>Complications are more common in children under the age of 5, or adults over the age of 20. However, they are more serious in infants under the age of 2, and malnourished children. Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications associated with the disease.<br></p><p>The most serious complications include: </p><div><ul><li>blindness;</li><li>severe diarrhoea and related dehydration;</li><li>ear infections;<br></li><li>severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling); and</li><li>death.<br></li></ul><p>For further information, read our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Measles_FAQ.pdf" target="_blank">Measles FAQ</a>.</p></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><p>For more information, contact your <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities">nearest clinic or healthcare facility</a>.<br></p><p>If you find yourself in an emergency situation, contact 107 from a landline, or <a>021 480 7700</a> from a cellphone.<br></p>

Find out about measles, as well as the prevention and treatment methods.

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