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Urgent Call to Action: Gauteng Health Warns Parents as Measles Cases Surge

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2 months ago

June 23, 2025

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Tshwane leads province in confirmed infections while officials race to close immunity gaps

Parents across Gauteng are being urged to vaccinate their children as the province battles a rising measles outbreak, with Tshwane topping the list of affected areas. The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed 191 laboratory-confirmed measles cases between January and June 19, 2025, a number health officials say is deeply concerning.

Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko didn’t mince words on Sunday, urging parents to step up and support vaccination teams currently working in schools and communities.

“We must close the immunity gap,” she said. “Vaccination is simple, safe, and remains our best protection.”

Tshwane and Johannesburg: Ground Zero

Tshwane has become the province’s biggest outbreak zone, recording 81 confirmed cases, particularly in Mamelodi and Winterveld. The region has already seen 16 hospitalisations, although thankfully, no deaths have been reported and all patients have been discharged.

Johannesburg follows closely with 80 confirmed cases, while Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and West Rand remain on alert. Alarmingly, vaccine coverage for the second measles dose sits below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane, far short of the World Health Organization’s recommended 95% needed for community protection.

Vaccination Drive Underway, But Coverage Still Low

More than 18,000 pupils in Tshwane have received vaccines at 31 schools. Johannesburg’s teams have vaccinated over 3,500 individuals in areas like Diepsloot, Cosmo City, Hillbrow, Midrand, and Rosettenville — a decent effort, but not nearly enough.

In Ekurhuleni, outreach teams have reached children in Daveyton, Slovo Park, Tembisa, and Barcelona, administering 560 doses.

The Gauteng Department of Health has now launched a four-week, province-wide vaccination campaign, with interfacility immunisation drives offering measles booster doses to people of all ages — whether they’ve been vaccinated before or not.

Fighting Misinformation and Apathy

One of the key challenges remains public apathy and lingering vaccine hesitancy, a hurdle worsened by the aftereffects of COVID-19 vaccine scepticism and misinformation, particularly in low-income communities. Despite the risks, many parents don’t know when or where to get vaccines, or simply believe measles isn’t serious.

But the Department is urging communities not to take that chance.

“We’ve seen children with painful symptoms, hospitalised unnecessarily. These cases are preventable,” said a public health nurse based in Midrand.

Health System Ready but Needs Support

Health facilities have been instructed to isolate all positive measles cases and immediately vaccinate close contacts. Those infected are being advised to isolate at home for seven days, and are also receiving Vitamin A supplements to reduce complications like vision problems or secondary infections.

Though no deaths have occurred so far, the Gauteng Department of Health warns that without swift public action, the risk could grow.

What Parents Need to Know

Free vaccinations are available at public clinics and through mobile outreach teams.
Measles symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
Parents should check their children’s Road to Health cards for missed doses.
Call or visit your nearest clinic if you’re unsure whether your child is up to date.

A Community Effort

Gauteng’s measles outbreak is more than just a health statistic, it’s a call to action for every parent, guardian, and community leader. Protecting children means closing the immunity gap, and that starts with a quick trip to the clinic or supporting local school campaigns.

“This is about more than individual health,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko. “It’s about protecting the future of our province.”

For more information or to report suspected cases, residents are encouraged to contact the Gauteng Department of Health or visit their nearest healthcare facility.