WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 51: 12 to 18 December 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 18 December 2022
...
Measles South Africa
169 cases
0 Deaths
0.0% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
A Measles outbreak was declared in Limpopo province on 11
October 2022. Subsequently, the North West province and
Gauteng provinces reported measles outbreaks on 2 and 6
December 2022 respectively.
From epidemiological week 40 to 49, the country observed an
increase in laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with a total of
169 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported between 11
October and 07 December across four provinces out of nine in
the country: Limpopo (98), Mpumalanga (50), Gauteng (13) and
North West (8).
The 98 cases of laboratory-confirmed measles in Limpopo, were
reported from 11 October to 07 December. Of the 98 measles
cases, 76 had an unknown vaccination status, 10 were vaccinated,
and 12 were unvaccinated.
From epidemiological week 41 when the outbreak was declared
in Limpopo province to EW45, the number of measles cases
reported weekly, increased steadily, and peaked at week 47.
The age of reported cases across the country ranges from 2
months to 42 years. Children between age group 5-9 years are
the most affected representing 44% of cases; while those among
the 1-4 years represents 28% of cases. Of the 169 cases, 125
had an unknown vaccination status against measles, 18 were
vaccinated and 26 were unvaccinated.
Vaccination status for laboratory-confirmed measles cases
in provinces with a declared measles outbreak indicates that
74% have unknown vaccination status while only 11% where
vaccinated in the provinces.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The South African Health authority are supporting the following
activities in response to the measles outbreak. The public health
response to the measles outbreak in provinces is targeted at
improving measles immunity in all affected provinces.
Provinces are currently conducting vaccination campaigns
in the affected areas. Routine immunization should be
reinforced as the outbreak is an opportunity to identify and
correct vaccination programme weaknesses.
Routine Immunization has been strengthened in affected
districts and provinces
Strengthening surveillance and coordination of the response
to the outbreak implemented at both provincial and district
levels is ongoing.
Follow up on laboratory-confirmed measles cases for case
management support
Follow up and vaccinate the contacts of laboratory confirmed
cases.
Continue to support the response with additional logistics
including, medicines and medical consumables for case
management
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The measles outbreak in South Africa which has been showing
an increasing trend in the past month has seen a decline in
the past seven days. Given the strong laboratory capacity in
country, all reported cases have been laboratory confirmed.
Case management tracking and follow up of cases and contacts
for vaccination is ongoing, however vaccination strengthening
efforts must continue to get the outbreak under control.
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 51: 12 to 18 December 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 18 December 2022
...
Measles South Africa
169 cases
0 Deaths
0.0% CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
A Measles outbreak was declared in Limpopo province on 11
October 2022. Subsequently, the North West province and
Gauteng provinces reported measles outbreaks on 2 and 6
December 2022 respectively.
From epidemiological week 40 to 49, the country observed an
increase in laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with a total of
169 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported between 11
October and 07 December across four provinces out of nine in
the country: Limpopo (98), Mpumalanga (50), Gauteng (13) and
North West (8).
The 98 cases of laboratory-confirmed measles in Limpopo, were
reported from 11 October to 07 December. Of the 98 measles
cases, 76 had an unknown vaccination status, 10 were vaccinated,
and 12 were unvaccinated.
From epidemiological week 41 when the outbreak was declared
in Limpopo province to EW45, the number of measles cases
reported weekly, increased steadily, and peaked at week 47.
The age of reported cases across the country ranges from 2
months to 42 years. Children between age group 5-9 years are
the most affected representing 44% of cases; while those among
the 1-4 years represents 28% of cases. Of the 169 cases, 125
had an unknown vaccination status against measles, 18 were
vaccinated and 26 were unvaccinated.
Vaccination status for laboratory-confirmed measles cases
in provinces with a declared measles outbreak indicates that
74% have unknown vaccination status while only 11% where
vaccinated in the provinces.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The South African Health authority are supporting the following
activities in response to the measles outbreak. The public health
response to the measles outbreak in provinces is targeted at
improving measles immunity in all affected provinces.
Provinces are currently conducting vaccination campaigns
in the affected areas. Routine immunization should be
reinforced as the outbreak is an opportunity to identify and
correct vaccination programme weaknesses.
Routine Immunization has been strengthened in affected
districts and provinces
Strengthening surveillance and coordination of the response
to the outbreak implemented at both provincial and district
levels is ongoing.
Follow up on laboratory-confirmed measles cases for case
management support
Follow up and vaccinate the contacts of laboratory confirmed
cases.
Continue to support the response with additional logistics
including, medicines and medical consumables for case
management
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The measles outbreak in South Africa which has been showing
an increasing trend in the past month has seen a decline in
the past seven days. Given the strong laboratory capacity in
country, all reported cases have been laboratory confirmed.
Case management tracking and follow up of cases and contacts
for vaccination is ongoing, however vaccination strengthening
efforts must continue to get the outbreak under control.
Comment