Gauteng Measles Outbreak: The Scale of the Problem
Gauteng is battling a measles outbreak that has already affected more than 380 children since January 2025. Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni are the most affected. According to health authorities, measles are infectious through coughing, sneezing, or even sharing the same air.
For children under the age of 15, the disease can be devastating. Pneumonia, ear infection, brain swelling, and death are common complications. Officials cite that these numbers must serve as an alarm: the virus will continue to spread unless vaccination rates rise.
READ MORE: What Parents Need to Know About Gauteng’s Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
Schools Act as Key Vaccination Sites
In order to stop the outbreak, the Gauteng Department of Health launched a Mass Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign from 4 August to 12 September 2025. Instead of relying solely on clinics, the department brought the campaign into schools and crèches. Kids are now being vaccinated where they play and learn.
Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko stated: “The collaboration is vital in ensuring that the campaign reaches its target of reaching a minimum of 95% coverage among the age group targeted. Schools and crèches are central to ensuring that every child is immunised.”
Over 1,200 Institutions Have Already Reached Across Districts
The rollout has picked up 1,266 schools, and crèches have already been visited by vaccination teams. Johannesburg leads with 458, Ekurhuleni with 440, Tshwane with 160, West Rand with 118, and Sedibeng with 90.
“These statistics show a strong partnership between health and education,” said GDoH spokesperson Motalatale Modiba. “But we need to get more institutions on board. No child should be left behind.”
Why Measles Still Poses a Serious Threat
The majority of parents are of the opinion that measles is a childhood disease of the past. Experts caution against it. Modiba clarified: “Measles is more than another rash. It is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet. When one child has measles, up to 90% of unvaccinated children in the area are at risk. That’s why herd immunity of 95% is so critical.”
The rise in cases this year shows how quickly measles can return once vaccine coverage falters.
The Power of the New Measles-Rubella Vaccine
The campaign also introduced the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, a new addition to the immunisation calendar in South Africa. The vaccination is free, safe, and effective. By combining two vaccines into one, health teams provide children protection against both measles and rubella in a single injection.
“This vaccine not only saves children today but also makes them robust against future epidemics,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said. “It also protects pregnant women and unborn children from complications due to rubella.”
Parents and Teachers as Key Allies in the Campaign
Consent is still the tipping point. Teachers have emerged as trusted messengers, talking to parents about why the vaccine matters.
A Soweto principal described the process: “When the nurses arrived, our role was to assure parents that the vaccines are safe and necessary. Having the vaccinations done at school made it easier—children didn’t miss school, and parents didn’t have to take time off work.”
The ease of on-site vaccination has also eliminated concerns for parents.
Rebuking Myths and Building Community Trust
Health officials continue to battle misinformation. Some parents worry about side effects or long-term health outcomes, but officials have no use for these myths.
“Vaccines remain our best defense against measles and rubella,” Modiba said. “Social media misinformation is dangerous. We encourage parents to have faith in science and protect their children.”
Making Vaccination Accessible for Working Families
The school-based implementation also resolves a significant issue, which is accessibility. The majority of working parents are not capable of affording leave or transport costs to attend clinics.
One Ekurhuleni mother welcomed the change: “I didn’t have to queue for hours or pay for taxis. The team went to my child’s crèche, and it took less than 10 minutes.” For her family situation, the campaign converted a stressful process into an easy, quick step.
Urgent Call for More Schools and Crèches to Join
With just weeks to go, officials are calling on all schools and crèches to join in. District Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) managers are available to arrange visits in all of Gauteng’s five districts.
“Each school, each crèche, each parent, each caregiver must do their part,” Nkomo-Ralehoko urged. “That is how we are going to break the chain of transmission and keep our children safe.”
Towards a Healthier Future for Gauteng’s Children
The measles campaign isn’t a short-term fix—it’s an investment in healthier communities for the long haul. By vaccinating today, Gauteng is investing in future immunity that will protect children for years to come.
Nkomo-Ralehoko put it best: “Vaccinating children today not only keeps them protected immediately but also builds long-term immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks and helping to build healthier communities.”
At this outbreak, classrooms and crèches have transcended being a learning space. They are the battleground Gauteng is trying to shield its children from one of the world’s most contagious diseases.
To learn more about having a vaccination team come to your school, visit Gauteng Health’s official platforms.
