Measles surveillance

The national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. Data available (accessed 01 April 2026) from 29 December 2025 to 29 March 2026 (ISO Weeks 1-13) indicated that 843 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported nationally. In the previous week, the Western Cape reported the highest number of new cases (29), followed by the Eastern Cape (10), Northern Cape (9), Mpumalanga (8), Limpopo (5), Gauteng (3), the Free State (3), and KwaZulu-Natal (1).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

Between 29 December 2025 and 29 March 2026 (ISO Weeks 1–13), a total of 184 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through the national fever-rash surveillance system (data accessed 01 April 2026). This represents a decline compared with the same period in 2025.

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Western Cape being the most affected, particularly in the City of Cape Town. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa District in Free State, Waterberg District in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala Districts in Mpumalanga, and Frances Baard District in the Northern Cape. Since the last week, new outbreaks were reported in Capricorn (Limpopo) and OR Tambo Districts (Eastern Cape).

The national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. Data available (accessed 04 February 2026) from 29 December 2025 to 01 February 2026 (ISO Weeks 1-5) indicated that 213 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported nationally. The Western Cape reported the highest number of new cases (120), followed by Mpumalanga (30), Gauteng (22), Northern Cape (13), Free State (11), Limpopo (9), Eastern Cape (4), North West (3), and KwaZulu-Natal (1).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

A total of 20 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa from data available (accessed 04 February 2026) from 29 December 2025 to 01 February 2026 (ISO Weeks 1–5) through fever-rash surveillance. Rubella cases has decreased nationally in comparison to the same period in 2025.

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Western Cape being the most affected, particularly in the City of Cape Town. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality in Free State, Waterberg District Municipality in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipalities in North West and Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape. Kindly note that this report includes data from 28 December 2025 till 16 Jan 2026.

The national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. As of 16 January 2026, 139 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally. Western Cape reported 84 new cases. Gauteng 14 cases, Mpumalanga 20 cases, Limpopo 7 cases, Free State 6 cases, Northern Cape 4 cases, North West 3 cases and Eastern Cape 1 case.

Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring. The measles surveillance in 2025 showed that measles circulation increased in the winter and spring seasons. Although sporadic cases are reported in areas with high measles vaccination coverage throughout the year in South Africa, outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (having received only one instead of the two recommended doses).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

From 28 December 2025 to 16 January 2026, 17 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance. Rubella is endemic in South Africa, with an increase in circulation seen in autumn and spring. Rubella primarily affects children under 15 years of age and typically results in a self-limiting acute infection.

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard. To access previous measles situational reports, click here.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Gauteng being the most affected, particularly in the City of Johannesburg and City of Tshwane. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality in Free State, Waterberg District Municipality in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipalities in North West, Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape and the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape.

From week 1 to week 52 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. As of 31 December 2025, 2756 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 101 cases since the previous report. Gauteng reported 5 additional cases in epi-week 52, bringing the total to 827.

In epi-week 52, new cases were reported in the following provinces: Free State (2 cases), Limpopo (8 cases), Mpumalanga (10 cases), Northern Cape (6 cases) and the Western Cape (68 new cases).

Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring. The measles surveillance in 2025 showed that measles circulation increased in the winter and spring seasons. Although sporadic cases are reported in areas with high measles vaccination coverage throughout the year in South Africa, outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (having received only one instead of the two recommended doses).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

From epi-week 1 to epi-week 52, 2091 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance.

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 1225 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to week 52 of 2025, with an increase of 4 new cases since the previous report. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (1027/1225, 83.8%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Gauteng being the most affected, particularly in the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality in Free State, Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg District Municipalities in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, the Bojanala Platinum, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipalities in North West, Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape and the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape.

From week 1 to week 50 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. As of 12 December 2025, 2448 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 159 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 49. Gauteng reported 7 additional cases in epi-week 50, bringing the total to 818.

In epi-week 50, new cases were reported in the following provinces: Free State (4 cases), Limpopo (18 cases), Mpumalanga (29 cases), North West (9 cases), Northern Cape Province (6 cases) and the Western Cape (87 new cases).

Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring. Although sporadic cases are reported in areas with high measles vaccination coverage throughout the year in South Africa, outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (having received only one instead of the two recommended doses).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

From epi-week 1 to epi-week 50, 2037 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance.

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 1205 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to week 50 of 2025, with an increase of 4 new cases from week 49. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (1015/1205, 84.2%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Gauteng being the most affected. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa in Free State, Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg District Municipalities in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, the Bojanala Platinum, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipalities in North West, Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Town and the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape.

From week 1 to week 49 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. As of 5 December 2025, 2289 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 141 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 48. Gauteng reported 18 additional cases in epi-week 49, bringing the total to 811.

In epi-week 49, new cases were reported in the following provinces: Free State (5 cases), Limpopo (21 cases), Mpumalanga (25 cases), North West (4 cases), Northern Cape Province (3 cases) and the Western Cape (64 new cases).

Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring. Although sporadic cases are reported in areas with high measles vaccination coverage throughout the year in South Africa, outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (having received only one instead of the two recommended doses).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

From epi-week 1 to epi-week 49, 1996 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance. Rubella cases continue to be detected throughout the country, with an increase of 39 cases since epi-week 48.

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 1182 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to week 49 of 2025, with an increase of 23 new cases from week 48. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (996/1182, 84.3%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Gauteng being the most affected. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa in Free State, Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg District Municipalities in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West, Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Town and the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape.

From week 1 to week 48 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. As of 28 November 2025, 2148 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 29 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 47. Gauteng reported 14 additional cases in epi week 48, bringing the total to 793.

In week 48, new cases were reported in the following provinces: Free State (2 cases), Limpopo (21 cases), Mpumalanga (18 cases), North West (7 cases), Northern Cape Province (10) and the Western Cape (56 new cases).

Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring. Although sporadic cases are reported in areas with high measles vaccination coverage throughout the year in South Africa, outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (having received only one instead of the two recommended doses).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

From epi-week 1 to epi-week 48, 1957 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance. Rubella cases continue to be detected throughout the country, with an increase of 95 cases since epi-week 47.

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 1159 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1 to week 48 of 2025, with an increase of 68 new cases from week 47 . The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (977/1159, 84.3%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Gauteng being the most affected. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa in Free State, Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg District Municipalities in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West, Frances Baard District Municipality in the northern Cape Town and the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape.

From week 1 to week 47 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. As of 21 November 2025, 2019 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 122 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 46. Gauteng reported 20 additional cases in epi week 47, bringing the total to 779.

In week 47, new cases were reported in the following provinces: Free State (1 case), Limpopo (14 cases), Mpumalanga (24 cases), North West (10 cases), Northern Cape (11) and the Western Cape (41 new cases).

Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring. Although sporadic cases are reported in areas with high measles vaccination coverage throughout the year in South Africa, outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (having received only one instead of the two recommended doses).

A national measles vaccine campaign is currently ongoing in South Africa and is envisaged to run from 03-28 November 2025.

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

From epi-week 1 to epi-week 47, 1862 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance. Rubella cases continue to be detected throughout the country, with an increase of 63 cases since epi-week 46.

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 1091 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1 to week 47 of 2025, with an increase of 86 new cases from week 46. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (922/1091, 84.5%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Gauteng being the most affected. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa in Free State, Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg District Municipalities in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West, Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Town and the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape.

From week 1 to week 46 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. As of 14 November 2025, 1897 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 102 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 45. Gauteng reported 14 additional cases in epi week 46, bringing the total to 759.

In week 46, new cases were reported in the following provinces: Free State (4 cases), Limpopo (10 cases), Mpumalanga (6 cases), North West (3 cases), Northern Cape (2) and the Western Cape (63 new cases).

Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring. Although sporadic cases are reported in areas with high measles vaccination coverage throughout the year in South Africa, outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (having received only one instead of the two recommended doses).

A national measles vaccine campaign is currently underway in South Africa and is envisaged to run from 03-28 November 2025.

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

From epi week 1 to epi week 46, 1776 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance. Rubella cases continue to be detected throughout the country, with an increase of 78 cases since epi week 45.

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 1028 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1 to week 46 of 2025, with an increase of 51 new cases from week 45. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (884/1028, 86.0%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the community

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE

Measles surveillance

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of South Africa, with Gauteng being the most affected. Additional outbreaks have been reported in the Lejweleputswa in Free State, Capricorn, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Waterberg District Municipalities in Limpopo, the Gert Sibande and Nkangala District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West, Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Town and the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in the Western Cape.

From week 1 to week 45 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. As of 7 November 2025, 1795 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 114 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 44. Gauteng reported 17 additional cases in epi week 45, bringing the total to 745.

In week 45, new cases were reported in the following provinces: Free State (7 cases), Limpopo (8 cases), Mpumalanga (16 cases), North West (6 cases), Northern Cape Province (4) and the Western Cape (52 new cases).

Measles is endemic in South Africa, with cases typically increasing during autumn and spring. Although sporadic cases are reported in areas with high measles vaccination coverage throughout the year in South Africa, outbreaks usually occur in areas with low vaccination coverage, where many children are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (having received only one instead of the two recommended doses).

A national measles vaccine campaign is currently ongoing in South Africa and is envisaged to run from 03-28 November 2025.

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles and rubella surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing, to support national measles elimination goals. All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation, and notification should be completed through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

For the public

Public awareness campaigns should be intensified to build trust in vaccines and address hesitancy by engaging with community leaders, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation in immunisation activities.

Update on the rubella outbreak in South Africa

From epi-week 1 to epi-week 45, 1698 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance. Rubella cases continue to be detected throughout the country, with an increase of 71 cases since epi-week 44.

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 977 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1-45 of 2025, with an increase of 40 new cases from week 44. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (848/977, 86.8%).

Public health interventions

For health professionals

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. Health professionals should strengthen surveillance and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases to support national elimination goals.

For the public

Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevant resources, including the case definition, investigation form, and surveillance results, are available on the NICD measles page and the measles-rubella dashboard.

READ THE FULL UPDATE HERE