Measles Status in the Western Cape

The logistical arrangements for this Outbreak Response commenced on 1 March 2010 with actual immunisation of children in these hot spot areas in full swing by 8 March 2010. These arrangements include obtaining written consent from parents to have their children immunised at crèches within these hot spot areas. Hot spot areas in vulnerable informal settlements will also be targeted outside these areas.

The Department would like to stress that all children presenting to primary health care facilities with measles, will be immunised. Measles is a disease which affects mainly young children and in an overwhelming majority of cases a rapid recovery is made. The exceptions are usually children whose health is compromised by underlying disease and malnutrition. For this reason children living in poverty stricken areas are most at risk. Measles is a mild disease in adults, thus we request adults not to panic as this immunisation campaigns primarily focuses on children.

Between October 2009 and February 2010, seven deaths have been recorded at public health institutions. All deaths were among the age groups of between six months and two years. These children also had other underlying medical conditions which included HIV infections, Down's syndrome, Pneumonia, respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, poor cardiac function and anaemia.

The National Immunisation Campaign is scheduled for 12 April until 28 May 2010. This campaign will stretch across the province as follows:
Round 1: 12 - 23 April 2010:
Polio (drops) will be given to children 0 to 59 months
Measles (injection) all children 9 months to under 15 years

Round 2: 24 - 28 May:
Polio (drops) to all children 0 - 59 months
Deworming tablet (Albendazole) to children 12 to 59 months
Vitamin A (drops) to children 12 to 59 months

Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, said "I want to re-inforce the message that parents must take their children to clinics for the vaccines. It is especially babies that are the most vulnerable."

"In a modern country such as South Africa there should not be an outbreak of an illness such as measles, and I am going to launch an enquiry into the reasons why such an outbreak is occurring. It is very important that parents act responsibly and have their children vaccinated."

Parents and caregivers are urged not to take their children directly to one of the Central Hospitals, such as Groote Schuur Hospital, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital, as vaccination and the initial clinical assessment can be done effectively at their nearest primary health care centre. This will also prevent an unnecessary overload of these hospitals, which will then handle more complicated cases.

Some facts on measles:

• Measles is a highly contagious disease usually seen in children, which rarely affects older children and adults.
• The incubation period (period from first contact with the germ to when illness manifests) is 10 - 14 days, but may be longer in adults.
• It is characterised by tiredness, fever, loss of appetite, red watery eyes, cough and runny nose and a blotchy red rash.
• The rash of measles usually appears 3 - 5 days after the above symptoms. It begins on the face and spreads down over the body.
• The duration of the illness is 7 - 10 days.
• Measles is spread by droplets from respiratory secretions. It is transmitted by breathing, coughing or sneezing.
• The most infectious phase is during the last few days of the incubation period and when the rash appears.

Measles is a preventable disease, and Department urges residents to be aware of the symptoms and to ensure that their children's immunisations are up to date.

Issued by the Directorate: Communications for the Western Cape Department of Health.

Contact:

Faiza Steyn
Cell: 082 801 6960

or

Helene Rossouw
Cell: 082 771 8834

or

Mark van der Heever
Cell: 073 453 6823