The Health Department has reported a significant increase in rubella cases across the country, with KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape recording the highest numbers. Commonly known as German measles, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has documented 10,137 positive cases this year, surpassing last year’s figures.
Over 90% of the cases involve children under the age of 15, according to Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale. KwaZulu-Natal alone has reported 1,996 cases, making it the province with the second-highest incidence.
Mohale urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to curb the spread of the disease.
“Although rubella in children is a mild, self-limiting illness and complications are rare, the risk of transmission remains high among children, especially because many entered 2024 without prior exposure to rubella or without being vaccinated against it,” he said.
He added that unvaccinated children who have not been exposed to the rubella virus remain vulnerable to the disease.
Health officials are encouraging parents to take advantage of vaccination programs to protect children and reduce the spread of rubella in affected communities.