Measles and rubella surveillance data and analyses are updated daily and reported weekly. The reported figures may be influenced by the number of specimens from suspected cases that are received by the laboratory at the time of testing.
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.
