Measles Surge in Pretoria Sparks Urgent Health Response in Schools and Townships

Health authorities ramp up school vaccinations as immunity gaps in children put entire communities at risk

Pretoria is in the grip of a growing health scare and the urgency is spreading just as fast as the virus. Measles cases have sharply increased in recent weeks, with townships like Mamelodi and Winterveld at the epicentre of the outbreak. These communities, where access to health services is often already strained, are now the frontline of Gauteng’s intensified vaccination drive.

The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that 15 new measles cases were reported in the latest surveillance period. Of these, a staggering 10 are from Tshwane, highlighting the city’s vulnerability. With 35 cases in Mamelodi and 10 in Winterveld, it’s clear the virus has found fertile ground among populations where vaccination coverage has long been patchy.

Falling Through the Cracks: Children Missing Their Shots

At the heart of the outbreak is a dangerous immunity gap. According to the Department, far too many children have missed critical vaccine doses, especially the second measles jab, which is crucial for full protection.

“In both Johannesburg and Tshwane, coverage for the second dose is below 75%,” said health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba. “That’s far below the level needed to prevent outbreaks.”

It’s a sobering statistic, but not a surprising one. Vaccine hesitancy, lack of health access, and a faltering post-COVID catch-up campaign have all combined to leave children exposed. Some are too young for school, others are falling through the cracks of a stretched health system.

Schools Become Vaccination Hubs

In response, the health department is going directly to the source, schools and community clinics.

Over 18,000 learners have already been vaccinated across 15 schools in Mamelodi and 16 in Winterveld in just a matter of weeks. Inter-facility immunisation teams are also on the ground, offering booster doses to anyone — regardless of whether they’ve had the vaccine before.

The department is not taking chances. Anyone suspected of being infected is given Vitamin A to reduce complications and must isolate for seven days. Schools have been alerted. Clinics are on high alert.

What to Watch For: Symptoms and Spread

The problem with measles is that it’s sneaky and contagious long before it reveals itself. A person can spread the virus four days before the rash appears, and four days after. Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure.

Common symptoms include:

• A high fever

• Dry cough and runny nose

• Red, watery eyes

• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

• A full-body rash that starts on the face and neck and spreads downward

In Tshwane, 16 hospitalisations have been reported, but thankfully, no deaths so far.

“Don’t Wait, Vaccinate”

Pretoria residents have taken to social media with a mix of fear and frustration. Some parents are demanding more mobile clinics and after-hours vaccination drives. Others, particularly in township forums, are pleading with neighbours to “stop the anti-vax nonsense” and take action.

Local NGOs have also stepped in, distributing flyers in taxi ranks and churches, urging families to get their children checked and vaccinated.

Health experts warn the outbreak could spill into neighbouring areas if vigilance drops. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” said one Mamelodi-based community doctor. “One unvaccinated child at a creche can expose an entire classroom.”

A Preventable Crisis, But Only If We Act

As the capital’s health workers battle against time and misinformation, one thing is clear: this outbreak didn’t have to happen. Measles is one of the most preventable diseases. And yet, the gaps left behind by system failures, social apathy, and vaccine scepticism are now being paid for in panic and emergency mobilisation.

The Department of Health has called on every resident, especially parents, to check their vaccination cards and visit the nearest clinic.

Because when measles shows up, it doesn’t knock. It crashes through, fast.

Need to vaccinate or unsure of your child’s status? Visit your local clinic, or call the Gauteng Health Hotline at 0800 22 88 77 for assistance.

{Source: The Citizen}

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