Govt 'concerned' over increase in measles cases in six provinces
The National Department of Health says it is concerned after six provinces reported cases of measles.
Increases have been reported in the Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape.
Health authorities are now concerned that the virus might spread to the remaining provinces in the country.
Limpopo has declared an outbreak after measles were reported in all its districts.
Mpumalanga has become the latest province to confirm cases.
At least 57 laboratory confirmed cases were reported in these two provinces.
"The problem started during the Covid-19 pandemic when most health services were affected and parents couldn't take their children to get vaccinated," says health spokesperson Foster Mohale.
Child immunizations were disrupted after the government redirected resources to deal with the pandemic.
While no deaths have been reported linked to the measles outbreak, Mohale says the government is concerned about unvaccinated children being admitted to health facilities.
"We got a huge number of children that are unvaccinated. We need to increase our efforts, working together with communities. But also, the parents, they must give consent, if not, we may not be able to save their lives."
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