Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, is on the rise globally, presenting a significant threat to public health in South Africa.
According to research conducted by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), it is envisaged that by the end of 2024, over half of all countries - about 105 will face a high or very high risk of measles outbreaks.
In response to this alarming resurgence, Dis-Chem urges both children and adults to prioritise measles vaccinations. Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Clinic Executive, stressed the urgency needed to address the matter, stating, “As measles cases surge globally, it’s important that we take proactive steps to prevent a health crisis similar to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In South Africa, children receive measles immunisation twice: first at six months and then again as a booster at 12 months. There’s always an opportunity to catch up on measles vaccination if a child missed a dose at the recommended age. Parents and caregivers are advised to review their child’s vaccination records and confirm they have received measles vaccine. Additionally, it is recommended that adults with weak immune systems who are at higher risk of contracting measles or mumps, receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.
The second dose should be administered four weeks after the first.
According to a recent report from the CDC, 61 million doses of measles-containing vaccine were missed or postponed around the world from 2020 to 2022 due to disruptions in healthcare services caused by Covid-19. This significant shortfall in vaccination coverage has increased the potential for larger outbreaks worldwide, including in South Africa, presenting a serious risk to public health.
Kruger emphasises, “Prevention and control of measles outbreaks can only be achieved through vaccination. Each unvaccinated individual presents a potential link in the transmission chain, endangering both themselves and others. Through widespread vaccination efforts, we can effectively mitigate the impact of measles”.
People often think that measles is just another common childhood illness, but it can develop into a serious condition. Characterised by fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a distinctive rash, measles can lead to severe complications, particularly in young children and adults with weakened immune systems. These complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death. The highly contagious nature of this virus means that even a small number of unvaccinated individuals can spark large outbreaks, rapidly spreading within communities and across borders.
With measles outbreaks resurging and vaccination rates declining, effectively addressing these challenges demands coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels. Implementing a multifaceted approach, including enhancing routine immunisation programmes, broadening vaccine access in marginalised communities, and combating vaccine misinformation, are crucial elements of any strategy aimed at controlling measles transmission.
Moreover, individuals should prioritise staying up to date with their measles vaccinations and seek guidance from healthcare professionals about vaccination schedules. By proactively getting vaccinated against measles, individuals can make a substantial contribution to protecting not just their own health but also the welfare of their communities.
