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.
Measles surveillance
The national measles surveillance has detected an increase in measles cases countrywide. Data available (accessed 17 February 2026) from 29 December 2025 to 15 February 2026 (ISO Weeks 1-7) indicated that 356 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported nationally. The Western Cape reported the highest number of new cases (27), followed by Free State (5) and Gauteng (5), Limpopo (3) and Eastern Cape (3), KwaZulu-Natal (2), Northern Cape (2), Mpumalanga (1), and North West (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 53 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa from data available (accessed 17 February 2026) from 29 December 2025 to 15 February 2026 (ISO Weeks 1–7) through fever-rash surveillance. Rubella cases have 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.
