From week 1 to week 44 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases. As of 31 October 2025, 1681 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 93 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 43.

From epi week 1 to epi-week 44, 1627 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 102 cases since epi-week 43.

Measles outbreaks update

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province shows an overall increase in the number of cases, with 728 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1-44 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (180), City of Tshwane (385), Ekurhuleni (139), Sedibeng (21), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

There were 194 cases reported from epi week 1 to 44 of 2025 in the Free State province, with 150/194 (77.3%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. Since week 40, measles cases have been reported only in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.

Limpopo province measles outbreak update

In Limpopo province, 264 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi week 1-44, with children aged 1-14 years being the most affected (191/264;72.3%). From epi week 27, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe District Municipality, with 170 cases reported as of the end of epi week 44.

Mpumalanga province measles outbreak update

In Mpumalanga province, 156 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1-44, with 113/156 (72.4%) of these cases being children aged 1-14 years. Additional cases reported included cases from previous weeks that were pending testing.

Western Cape province measles outbreak update

A total of 221 cases have been reported in the Western Cape from epi week 1-44. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases (99.5%) were reported in the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, particularly in the Khayelitsha area.

North West province measles outbreak update

A total of 81 cases have been reported in North West from epi week 1–44, with 79/81 (97.5%) cases being children <14 years of age. Additional cases reported are from previous weeks that were pending testing.

Recommendations for public health interventions

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing to vaccinate those contacts at risk of being infected by the measles virus. All suspected measles cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation and reported through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

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

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 937 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1-44 of 2025, with an increase of 68 new cases from week 43. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (815/937, 87.0%).

Recommendations for public health interventions

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 that is given as part of the routine child immunisation schedule. Parents should ensure their children receive all recommended vaccine doses and take them for catch-up vaccination if any were missed.

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

From week 1 to week 43 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases. As of 24 October 2025, 1588 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 120 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 42.

Measles outbreaks update

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province shows an overall decrease in the number of cases, with 708 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1-43 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (174), City of Tshwane (371), Ekurhuleni (139), Sedibeng (21), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

There were 182 cases reported from epi week 1 to 43 of 2025 in the Free State province, with 142/182 (78%) cases being children aged 1-14 years.

Limpopo province measles outbreak update

In Limpopo province, 253 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi week 1-43, with children aged 1-14 years being the most affected (183/253; 72.3%). From epi week 27, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe District Municipality, with 146 cases reported as of the end of epi week 43.

Mpumalanga province measles outbreak update

In Mpumalanga province, 145 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1-43, with 106/145 (73.1%) of these cases being children aged 1-14 years.

Western Cape province measles outbreak update

A total of 189 cases have been reported in the Western Cape from epi week 1-43. Additional cases reported in this update, compared to the previous one, include specimens from previous weeks that were still pending testing.

North West province measles outbreak update

A total of 77 cases have been reported in North West from epi week 1–43, with 76/77 cases being children <14 years of age. Additional cases reported are from previous weeks that were pending testing.

Recommendations for public health interventions

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing to vaccinate those contacts at risk of being infected by the measles virus. All suspected measles cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation and reported through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

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

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 869 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1-43 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (753/869, 86.7%).

Recommendations for public health interventions

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 that is given as part of the routine child immunisation schedule. Parents should ensure their children receive all recommended vaccine doses and take them for catch-up vaccination if any were missed.

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

From week 1 to week 42 of 2025, the national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases.  As of 17 October 2025, 1468 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 159 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi) week 41.

From epi week 1 to epi week 42 of 2025, 1415 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance. Rubella cases continue to be detected throughout the country.

Measles outbreaks update

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province continues to report a high number of cases, with 697 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 42 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (169), City of Tshwane (368), Ekurhuleni (136), Sedibeng (21), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

Two new cases were reported in epi week 42 in the Free State province. There were 162 cases reported from epi week 1 to 42 of 2025, with 125/162 (77.2%) cases being children aged 1-14 years.

Limpopo province measles outbreak update

In Limpopo province, 231 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi week 1 to epi week 42, with children aged 1-14 years being the most affected (166/231; 71.9%). From epi week 27, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe District Municipality, with 163 cases reported as of the end of epi week 42.

Mpumalanga province measles outbreak update

In Mpumalanga province, 132 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi week 1 to week 42, with 98/132 (74.2%) cases being children aged 1-14 years.

Western Cape province measles outbreak update

One new case of measles was reported in the Western Cape province, bringing the total to 154 in epi week 42. Additional cases reported in this update, compared to the previous one, include specimens from previous weeks that were still pending testing.

North West province measles outbreak update

There were no new cases reported in the North West province, the total remains at 63 cases in epi-week 42. Additional cases reported are from previous weeks that were pending testing.

Recommendations for public health interventions

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing to vaccinate those contacts at risk of being infected by the measles virus. All suspected measles cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation and reported through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

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

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 786 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi week 1 to 42 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (681/786, 86.6%).

Recommendations for public health interventions

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 that is given as part of the routine child immunisation schedule. Parents should ensure their children receive all recommended vaccine doses and take them for catch-up vaccination if any were missed.

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

From week 1 to week 41 of 2025, national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases. As of 10 October 2025, 1,309 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, with an increase of 72 cases since the previous report in epidemiological (epi)-week 40.

From epi-week 1 to epi-week 41 of 2025, 1302 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa through measles and rubella surveillance. Rubella cases continue to be detected throughout the country.

Update on the measles outbreak in South Africa

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province continues to report a high number of cases, with 669 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 41 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (157), City of Tshwane (352), Ekurhuleni (136), Sedibeng (21), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

Two new cases were reported in epi-week 41 in the Free State province. There were 149 cases reported from epi-week 1 to 41 of 2025 (Figure 4), with 113/149 (75.8%) cases being children aged 1-14 years.

Limpopo province measles outbreak update

In Limpopo province, 198 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to epi-week 41, with children aged 1-14 years (146/198; 73.7%) being the most affected. No new cases were reported in epi-week 41 from epi-week 27, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe District Municipality, with 154 cases reported as of the end of epi-week 41.

Mpumalanga province measles outbreak update

In Mpumalanga province, 114 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to week 40, with 86/114 (75.4%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. No new cases were reported in epi-week 41.

Western Cape province measles outbreak update

Twelve new cases of measles were reported in the Western Cape province, bringing the total to 90 in epi-week 39. No new cases reported from epi-week 40 and 41.

North West province measles outbreak update

Three new cases were reported in the North West province, bringing the total to 62 cases in epi-week 40. No new cases reported from epi-week 41. 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.

Recommendations for public health interventions

Clinicians and public health officials are urged to strengthen measles surveillance nationally to improve case reporting, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing to vaccinate those contacts at risk of being infected by the measles virus. All suspected measles cases should be investigated promptly, with blood specimens collected for laboratory confirmation and reported through the Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS ).

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

North West province rubella outbreak update

The North West province continues to report a high number of cases, with 705 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 41 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (604/705, 85.7%).

Recommendations for public health interventions

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 that is given as part of the routine child immunisation schedule. Parents should ensure their children receive all recommended vaccine doses and take them for catch-up vaccination if any were missed.

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

Update on the measles outbreak in South Africa

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province continues to report a high number of cases, with 640 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 40 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (151), City of Tshwane (330), Ekurhuleni (135), Sedibeng (21), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

Five new cases were reported in week 40 in the Free State province. There were 147 cases reported from epi-week 1 to 40 of 2025, with 111/147 (75.5%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. Measles surveillance should be strengthened and supplementary immunisation activities for measles immunisation should be extended to areas previously not included in the measles vaccination campaign to prevent transmission of the infection to new areas.

Limpopo province measles outbreak update

In Limpopo province, 184 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to epi-week 40, with children aged 1-14 years (138/184; 75.0%) being the most affected. From epi-week 27, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe District Municipality, with 148 cases reported as of the end of epi-week 40. The measles outbreak is currently affecting the Musina Local Municipality in the northern part of Limpopo province.

Mpumalanga province measles outbreak update

In Mpumalanga province, 102 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to week 40, with 78/102 (76.5%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. From epi-week 26 to week 40, there was an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases in Nkangala District Municipality, with 80 laboratory-confirmed cases reported. Additionally, 4 new laboratory–confirmed measles cases were reported in epi-week 39 in Gert Sibande District Municipality.

Western Cape province measles outbreak update

Seventeen new cases of measles were reported in the Western Cape Province, bringing the total to 78 in epi week 40. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases (98.7%) were reported in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, particularly in Khayelitsha.

Recommendations for public health interventions

• Measles awareness should be intensified in areas with localised outbreaks in order to alert the communities about the outbreaks and the prevention of the disease.
• Parents should be encouraged to vaccinate their children to protect them against measles infections.
• Parents whose children have missed their scheduled routine measles immunisation vaccine doses are encouraged to take their children for a measles vaccine catch-up dose.
• Measles surveillance should be strengthened nationally to improve case reporting and contact tracing.
• Provinces are urged to conduct measles risk assessment and continue with targeted or supplementary measles immunisation activities or campaigns in areas with low measles coverage and high numbers of children who have either never received vaccines (zero dose areas) or are under vaccinated (children who received one instead of the recommended two measles vaccine doses)
• Public awareness efforts must be intensified to address vaccine hesitancy by engaging with all relevant stakeholders in the affected communities
• Clinicians should report the suspected measles cases and collect blood specimens for laboratory confirmation, and also report patients who develop measles signs and symptoms using the NMC Surveillance System.
• Strengthening routine immunisation services and launching a mass vaccination campaign targeting children up to 15 years of age is also recommended.

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

Update on the measles outbreak in South Africa

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province continues to report a high number of cases, with 629 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 39 of 2025 (Figure 2). The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (147), City of Tshwane (324), Ekurhuleni (134), Sedibeng (21), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

Two new cases were reported in week 39 in the Free State province. There were 142 cases reported from epi-week 1 to 39 of 2025, with 107/142 (75.4%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. Measles surveillance should be strengthened and supplementary immunisation activities for measles immunisation should be extended to areas previously not included in the measles vaccination campaign to prevent transmission of the infection to new areas.

Limpopo province measles outbreak update

In Limpopo province, 169 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to epi-week 39, with children aged 1-14 years (130/169; 76.9%) being the most affected. From epi-week 27, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe District Municipality, with 140 cases reported as of the end of epi-week 39. The measles outbreak is currently affecting the Musina Local Municipality in the northern part of Limpopo province.

Mpumalanga province measles outbreak update

In Mpumalanga province, 96 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to week 39, with 75/96 (78.1%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. From epi-week 26 to week 39, there was an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases in Nkangala District Municipality, with 76 laboratory-confirmed cases reported. Additionally, 14 new laboratory–confirmed measles cases were reported in epi-weeks 38 and 39 in Gert Sibande District Municipality.

Western Cape province measles outbreak update

Ten new cases of measles were reported in the Western Cape, bringing the total to 61 in epi week 39. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, which reported 60 cases. The measles cases were mostly detected in the Khayelitsha area.

Recommendations for public health interventions

• Measles awareness should be intensified in areas with localised outbreaks in order to alert the communities about the outbreaks and the prevention of the disease.
• Parents should be encouraged to vaccinate their children to protect them against measles infections.
• Parents whose children have missed their scheduled routine measles immunisation vaccine doses are encouraged to take their children for a measles vaccine catch-up dose.
• Measles surveillance should be strengthened nationally to improve case reporting and contact tracing.
• Provinces are urged to conduct measles risk assessment and continue with targeted or supplementary measles immunisation activities or campaigns in areas with low measles coverage and high numbers of children who have either never received vaccines (zero dose areas) or are under vaccinated (children who received one instead of the recommended two measles vaccine doses)
• Public awareness efforts must be intensified to address vaccine hesitancy by engaging with all relevant stakeholders in the affected communities
• Clinicians should report the suspected measles cases and collect blood specimens for laboratory confirmation, and also report patients who develop measles signs and symptoms using the NMC Surveillance System.
• Strengthening routine immunisation services and launching a mass vaccination campaign targeting children up to 15 years of age is also recommended.

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

Update on the measles outbreak in South Africa

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province continues to report a high number of cases, with 610 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 38 of 2025. The majority of the laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (144), City of Tshwane (310), Ekurhuleni (132), Sedibeng (21), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

No new cases were reported in week 38 in Free State province. There were 140 cases reported from epi-week 1 to 36 of 2025, with 106/140 (75.7%) cases being children aged 1-14 years.

Limpopo province measles outbreak update

In Limpopo province, 155 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to epi-week 38, with children aged 1-14 years (120/155; 77.4%) being the most affected. From epi-week 27, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe District Municipality, with 137 cases reported as of the end of epi-week 38.

Mpumalanga province measles outbreak update

In Mpumalanga province, 82 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to week 38, with 66/82 (80.5%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. From epi-week 26 to week 38, there was an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases in Nkangala District Municipality, with 65 laboratory-confirmed cases reported, and 1 new laboratory–confirmed measles case was reported in epi-weeks 37 and none in week 38 in Gert Sibande District Municipality.

Western Cape province measles outbreak update

One new case of measles was reported in Western Cape province in epi week 38. Western Cape province reported 51 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with 37 cases from epi-week 34 to 38 of 2025 . The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the City of Cape Town , which reported 50 cases.

Recommendations for public health interventions

• Measles awareness should be intensified in areas with localised outbreaks in order to alert the communities about the outbreaks and the prevention of the disease.
• Parents should be encouraged to vaccinate their children to protect them against measles infections.
• Parents whose children have missed their scheduled routine measles immunisation vaccine doses are encouraged to take their children for a measles vaccine catch-up dose.
• Measles surveillance should be strengthened nationally to improve case reporting and contact tracing.
• Provinces are urged to conduct measles risk assessment and continue with targeted or supplementary measles immunisation activities or campaigns in areas with low measles coverage and high numbers of children who have either never received vaccines (zero dose areas) or are under vaccinated (children who received one instead of the recommended two measles vaccine doses)
• Public awareness efforts must be intensified to address vaccine hesitancy by engaging with all relevant stakeholders in the affected communities
• Clinicians should report the suspected measles cases and collect blood specimens for laboratory confirmation, and also report patients who develop measles signs and symptoms using the NMC Surveillance System.
• Strengthening routine immunisation services and launching a mass vaccination campaign targeting children up to 15 years of age is also recommended.

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

Since the last update in epidemiological week 36, 33 new measles cases were reported in the Western Cape, 14 in Gauteng, 3 in Limpopo and 4 in Mpumalanga. The reported measles infections were mainly in children aged 1-14 years (820/1019, 80.5%), with an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases in people aged 15 years and above in Gauteng, Free State and Limpopo. Any person who has never been infected with measles or has not received the measles vaccine is at risk of having measles virus infection.

Update on the measles outbreak in South Africa

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province continues to report a high number of cases, with 588 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 37 of 2025. The majority of the laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (142), City of Tshwane (296), Ekurhuleni (127), Sedibeng (20), and West Rand (3), with 457/588 (77.7%) cases being children below 15 years, including 92 cases amongst children below 1 year.

Free State province measles outbreak update

No new cases were reported in week 37 in Free State province. There were 131 cases reported from epi-week 1 to 36 of 2025, with 98/131 (74.8%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. Measles surveillance should be strengthened, and supplementary immunisation activities for measles immunisation should be extended to areas previously not included in the measles vaccination campaign to prevent transmission of the infection to new areas.

Limpopo province measles outbreak update

In Limpopo province, 139 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to epi-week 37, with children aged 1-14 years (111/139; 79.9%) being the most affected. From epi-week 27, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe District Municipality, with 124 cases reported as of the end of epi-week 37. The measles outbreak is currently affecting the Musina Local Municipality in the northern part of Limpopo.

Mpumalanga province measles outbreak update

In Mpumalanga province, 72 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to week 37, with 58/72 (80.6%) cases being children aged 1-14 years. From epi-week 26 to week 37, there was an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases in Nkangala District Municipality, with 56 laboratory-confirmed cases reported, and no new laboratory–confirmed measles cases were reported in epi-weeks 36 and 37 in Gert Sibande District Municipality.

Western Cape province measles outbreak update

No new cases of measles were reported in Western Cape province in epi week 37. Western Cape province reported 33 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with 19 cases reported from epi-week 34 to 36 of 2025.

Recommendations for public health interventions

• Measles awareness should be intensified in areas with localised outbreaks in order to alert the communities about the outbreaks and the prevention of the disease.
• Parents should be encouraged to vaccinate their children to protect them against measles infections.
• Parents whose children have missed their scheduled routine measles immunisation vaccine doses are encouraged to take their children for a measles vaccine catch-up dose.
• Measles surveillance should be strengthened nationally to improve case reporting and contact tracing.
• Provinces are urged to conduct measles risk assessment and continue with targeted or supplementary measles immunisation activities or campaigns in areas with low measles coverage and high numbers of children who have either never received vaccines (zero dose areas) or are under vaccinated (children who received one instead of the recommended two measles vaccine doses)
• Public awareness efforts must be intensified to address vaccine hesitancy by engaging with all relevant stakeholders in the affected communities
• Clinicians should report the suspected measles cases and collect blood specimens for laboratory confirmation, and also report patients who develop measles signs and symptoms using the NMC Surveillance System.
• Strengthening routine immunisation services and launching a mass vaccination campaign targeting children up to 15 years of age is also recommended.

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

Since the last update in epidemiological week 34, 15 new measles cases were reported in Gauteng, 11 in Limpopo, 7 in Mpumalanga, and one each in Free State, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces. The reported measles infections were mainly in children aged 1-14 years, with an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases seen in people aged 15 years and above in Gauteng province and Limpopo.

Update on the measles outbreak in South Africa

Gauteng province measles outbreak updates

Gauteng province continues to report a high number of cases, with 529 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 35 of 2025. The majority of the laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the metropolitan areas, with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (134), City of Tshwane (262), Ekurhuleni (113), Sedibeng (17), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

Free State province continues to report laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with 120 cases from epi-week 1 to 35 of 2025. The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Lejweleputswa district, which reported 106 cases, with 16 cases reported between epi-weeks 32 and 35. The measles cases in Lejweleputswa district have been decreasing after public health interventions were implemented

Measles outbreak in Limpopo and Mpumalanga

From week 27, Limpopo reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in the Vhembe district, with 73 cases reported as of the end of week 35. The measles outbreak is currently affecting the Musina Local Municipality in the northern part of Limpopo.

In Mpumalanga province, 47 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from epi-week 1 to week 35. From epi-week 24 to week 35, there was an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases in Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts, with 7 and 31 laboratory-confirmed cases reported respectively.

Recommendations for public health interventions

• Measles awareness should be intensified in areas with localised outbreaks in order to alert the communities about the outbreaks and the prevention of the disease.
• Parents should be encouraged to vaccinate their children to protect them against measles infections.
• Parents whose children have missed their scheduled routine measles immunisation vaccine doses are encouraged to take their children for a measles vaccine catch-up dose.
• Measles surveillance should be strengthened nationally to improve case reporting and contact tracing.
• Provinces are urged to conduct measles risk assessment and continue with targeted or supplementary measles immunisation activities or campaigns in areas with low measles coverage and high numbers of children who have either never received vaccines (zero dose areas) or are under vaccinated (children who received one instead of the recommended two measles vaccine doses)
• Public awareness efforts must be intensified to address vaccine hesitancy by engaging with all relevant stakeholders in the affected communities
• Clinicians should report the suspected measles cases and collect blood specimens for laboratory confirmation, and also report patients who develop measles signs and symptoms using the NMC Surveillance System.
• Strengthening routine immunisation services and launching a mass vaccination campaign targeting children up to 15 years of age is also recommended.

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

Update on the measles outbreak in South Africa

Gauteng province measles outbreak update

Gauteng province continues to report a high number, with 503 laboratory-confirmed cases reported from epi-week 1 to 34 of 2025. The majority of the laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the metropolitan areas with the distribution of cases as follows: City of Johannesburg (132), City of Tshwane (244), Ekurhuleni (108), Sedibeng (16), and West Rand (3).

Free State province measles outbreak update

Free State province continues to report laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with 110 cases reported from epi-week 1 to 34 of 2025. The majority of the laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the Lejweleputswa district, which reported 107 cases, and 9 cases were reported from epi-weeks 31 to 34. The measles cases in Lejweleputswa district are decreasing after the measles outbreak was declared and the public health interventions were implemented.

Limpopo province and Mpumalanga province measles outbreaks

From epi-week week 28, Limpopo province reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed case in Vhembe district, which shares the border with the Republic of Zimbabwe. Limpopo Province reported 32 laboratory-confirmed measles cases whose specimens were taken between epi-week 28 and week 34. Thirty laboratory-confirmed cases were reported from Vhembe district.

In Mpumalanga province, 35 laboratory confirmed measles were reported from epi-week 1 to week 34. From epi-week 24 to week 34, there was an increase in laboratory confirmed cases in Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts, with 5 and 21 laboratory-confirmed cases reported, respectively.

Recommendations

• Measles surveillance should be strengthened nationally, with the provinces urged to do measles risk assessment and continue to do targeted or supplementary measles immunisation activities or campaigns in areas with low measles coverage and high number of children who never received vaccines (Zero dose areas).
• Measles awareness should be conducted in areas with localised outbreaks in order to alert the communities about the ongoing measles outbreak and prevention of the disease.
• Public awareness efforts to address vaccine hesitancy with relevant stakeholders in the communities must be intensified.
• Case reporting and contact tracing should be improved.
• Parents should be encouraged to vaccinate their children to protect them against measles infections.
• Parents whose children have missed their scheduled routine measles immunisation vaccine doses are encouraged to ensure that their children receive a measles vaccination catch-up dose.
• Awareness about complications of measles infection such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhoea, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and death should be intensified.
• Clinicians should report the suspected measles cases and collect blood specimens for laboratory confirmation, and also report patients who develop measles signs and symptoms using the NMC Surveillance System.
• Strengthening routine immunisation services and launching a mass vaccination campaign targeting children up to 15 years of age is also recommended.

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

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