South Africa’s Gauteng Province is ramping up its public health interventions following a sharp rise in measles cases this year. The provincial health department confirmed on Wednesday that the number of laboratory-verified infections has reached 181 since January, sparking targeted vaccination efforts in the most affected regions.
According to Motalatale Modiba, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Health, the outbreak is particularly severe in hotspot zones such as Mamelodi and Winterveld within the Tshwane municipality, which have reported 35 and 10 cases, respectively. These areas remain under close surveillance, with health officials actively tracing contacts and providing medical support.
The measles outbreak is not isolated to Tshwane. Other major urban centers in Gauteng, including Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, have also reported cases. In response, the department has launched a widespread vaccination campaign, focusing on school-based immunization to swiftly reach large numbers of children.
To date, over 18,000 learners have received measles vaccines across more than 30 schools—15 in Mamelodi and 16 in Winterveld. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of the disease by increasing immunity in communities considered most vulnerable to outbreaks.
Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Gauteng’s Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health and Wellness, stressed the importance of collective action in preventing the further spread of measles and rubella.
“We urge parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said. “This is crucial to closing immunity gaps and preventing serious illness, especially in densely populated areas where the risk of transmission is high.”
The ongoing outbreak in Gauteng reflects a national trend. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) earlier reported that South Africa had logged 931 laboratory-confirmed measles cases across all 52 epidemiological weeks of 2024. The figures point to a persistent health threat, particularly among unvaccinated populations.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to cooperate with outreach teams and to verify their vaccination status. The department is also working with local clinics and schools to make vaccines more accessible in high-risk areas.
As the province steps up its response, officials emphasize that early detection, prompt vaccination, and community awareness are key to containing the outbreak and protecting public health.