Measles Outbreak Spreads to Mpumalanga - South African News Briefs - November 18, 2022

Measles Outbreak Spreads to Mpumalanga November 18, 2022 - South African News Briefs

Measles Outbreak Spreads to Mpumalanga November 18, 2022 - South African News Briefs - Measles virus 3D illustration

Introduction

In the third week of November, a measles outbreak spread to the province of Mpumalanga in South Africa. Measles is an airborne virus that can be transferred through coughing and sneezing. The illness is contagious for up to three days before and after the onset of symptoms. In some cases it is fatal. The current measles outbreak in Mpumalanga province has infected at least nineteen people as of November 18th according to health officials.

The outbreak began in October

Measles is an extremely contagious disease. There are currently no vaccines that can prevent it and it is one of the leading causes of death among children. The virus can be found in the air and live on surfaces for up to two hours after a person with measles has left the area. It is spread by coughing and sneezing, but also by direct contact with infected droplets or fluids from a nose or mouth.

The virus has now spread to Mpumalanga

This past week has seen a measles outbreak in the region of Johannesburg. The virus has now spread to Mpumalanga and is expected to reach KwaZulu-Natal next. At this point, it is unclear how many people have been infected with the virus. The Department of Health confirmed that they are working with various government departments and community members across the country in order to contain the measles outbreak before it spreads even further.

Symptoms of measles

The symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, coughing, and red eyes. The skin will then develop a rash. Up to 10 days can pass before symptoms appear. Measles is highly contagious and spreads when an infected person breathes or coughs near another person who isn't immune. It can also spread through direct contact with infected nasal discharge or saliva.

Treatment for measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that's one of the leading causes of death worldwide among young children. It is spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Prevention of measles

It is recommended that children and adults who do not have evidence of immunity receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. Viruses spreading measles are spread by droplets from an infected person's nose, mouth, or throat; by direct contact with secretions from an infected person's nose, mouth, or throat; viruses enter the body through droplets that contain them. When they get into the respiratory tract, they infect the cells lining them. Vaccination against measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is available to prevent the disease. Born before 1957 are considered immune because they likely were exposed to the wild-type form of the virus as children. MMR provides lifelong protection against the disease after two doses. When they haven't been vaccinated since then, their immunity may have weakened over time. Infants under one year of age are primarily affected by an outbreak in Mpumalanga Province. Over the past year, the number of cases being investigated has steadily increased, with local authorities believing there could be more than 2 000 cases in total. Nearly 300 000 people will receive life-saving vaccinations during a mass immunization campaign this week. A national vaccination campaign is needed, especially in high-risk areas such as hospitals and schools where unvaccinated students can easily spread illnesses.

Conclusion

The measles outbreak has now spread to the neighboring province of Mpumalanga. Health officials are urging anyone who has not been vaccinated with measles and wants protection from the disease to get vaccinated soon. If you think you may have come in contact with someone who is contagious, please wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer and stay away from crowds.