Measles Cases Surge in Gauteng: Health Department Issues Ongoing Alert
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has reported a significant increase in measles cases across the province in 2025. From 1 January to 13 June, a total of 181 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been recorded. The hotspots are in Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni districts.
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Current Situation and Hotspots
The outbreak remains active, particularly in Tshwane’s Mamelodi and Winterveld areas. Here, officials have reported 35 and 10 cases, respectively. Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni have also seen new cases. Targeted vaccination campaigns are underway in affected communities such as Diepsloot, Midrand, Cosmo City, and Tembisa. While West Rand and Sedibeng districts are not currently experiencing outbreaks, they remain on high alert with strengthened surveillance measures in place.
Immunity Gap and Vaccination Coverage
The surge in cases reveals a concerning immunity gap. This gap especially affects children who have not been fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine. Immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in Johannesburg and Tshwane. This is well under the threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. This gap has contributed to infections even among previously vaccinated individuals and some adults.
Public Health Response
In response, Gauteng Health has intensified its vaccination efforts. Health teams have vaccinated over 18,000 learners in more than 31 schools across Mamelodi and Winterveld to date. The department has also launched inter-facility immunisation campaigns. These offer measles-rubella booster doses to all age groups, regardless of prior vaccination history. Health officials plan additional community vaccination drives at busy sites such as taxi ranks in Diepsloot and Cosmo City.
Measles Surveillance Data
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Gauteng has consistently reported the highest number of measles cases in South Africa in 2025. From epidemiological week 1 to week 18, Gauteng reported 104 of the country’s 182 laboratory-confirmed measles cases. Johannesburg accounted for 64 cases, Tshwane 26, and Ekurhuleni 12. This follows a total of 931 confirmed measles cases nationwide in 2024. Gauteng was again the most affected province.
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Importance of Closing the Immunity Gap
The outbreak underscores the critical need to close immunity gaps to prevent further spread. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, urged parents and guardians to vaccinate their children.. She also asks them to cooperate with ongoing school and community campaigns.
Immunisation
The ongoing measles outbreak in Gauteng highlights the urgent need for improved vaccination coverage and public awareness. The health department’s intensified vaccination campaigns aim to curb the spread and protect vulnerable populations. Continued vigilance, timely immunisation, and community cooperation remain essential to controlling this outbreak and preventing future ones.
