Measles in South Africa

South Africa is experiencing measles outbreaks in five of its northern provinces. From 3 October 2022 to 31 December 2022, 305 cases were reported from Limpopo (131 cases), Mpumalanga (69 cases), North West (80 cases), Gauteng (14 cases), and Free State (11 cases).

A smaller number of cases has been reported from other provinces: Eastern Cape (1 case), Northern Cape (3 cases), Western Cape (4 cases) and KwaZulu-Natal (5 cases).

Measles is a highly infectious viral infection spread via airborne or droplet transmission. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, coryza or conjunctivitis and may lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people.

Measles is most common in young children, but all ages are at risk if they have not been fully vaccinated or had prior measles infection.

Advice for Travellers

Travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure to measles virus, and facilitate the spread of disease to unvaccinated and susceptible populations. The travel consultation provides a valuable opportunity to ensure individuals are protected against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) viruses. Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least one month apart, are required to give adequate protection.

Consider vaccinating:

• all travellers who have not previously had two doses of MMR vaccine or prior measles infection
• travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFRs), and/or mixing closely with the local population
• younger children who have not yet been fully immunised

For children, first and second doses of MMR vaccine can be administered earlier than they would routinely be given within the UK Vaccination Schedule (2 doses of MMR vaccine around 12-13 months, and before starting school at around 3 years 4 months of age).

• MMR vaccine can be given from 6 months of age when early protection is required

See the TRAVAX Measles, Mumps and Rubella page for further information.