Measles in South Africa

20 Mar 2017

On the 16 March 2017 the National Institute for Communicable Diseases reported that as of the 15 March 2017 a total of 6 measles have been confirmed in Johannesburg. The cases were predominantly unvaccinated primary school children. Additionally, a confirmed measles case has been reported in Rustenburg, North West Province. These cases follow a confirmed outbreak of measles in the Western Cape reported during the first few months of 2017 with 29 confirmed cases to date.

Advice for Travellers

Young people who missed their MMR vaccines as children are vulnerable. It should be confirmed that children and young people have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 4 months. Unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk.

Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.