By Zuko Komisa
Parents have been urged to immunise their children against measles following an outbreak in South Africa.
After a measles outbreak that has expanded to five provinces in less than two months and data showing poor vaccination rates, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has urged parents to get their kids vaccinated.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to Jack Manamela from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) about what the latest data is showing in South Africa.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the number of measles cases in the nation is still rising, but in contrast, the number of specimens submitted in the past three weeks and the number of confirmed cases seem to be declining.
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The institute has said that it is important to stress that notwithstanding the drop in incidence in recent weeks, the planned vaccination programs should proceed with the same vigour.
#MeaslesOutbreakUpdate The number of measles cases in the country continues to rise, with a total of 357 laboratory-confirmed cases reported. With schools opening, we need vigilance to identify cases in school or crèche environments.
— NICD (@nicd_sa) January 12, 2023
Read more here https://t.co/eJmznJsZpq pic.twitter.com/702SRNnkjY
They also stressed that Measles outbreaks can only be prevented and controlled via vaccination.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to check their child’s vaccination history and make sure they have taken the measles vaccine.
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