Upsurge of measles in South Africa: A cause for concern?

Abstract

A massive upsurge in the number of measles cases has been recently reported from South Africa, with 382 confirmed cases spread across five regions: Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and North West. The number of daily cases has been growing, resulting in more throat swabs and blood samples being sent to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and measles serology testing. A rapid response to control the outbreak has emerged. All parents and caregivers residing in South Africa have been urged to check their children’s and the populations’ measles vaccination status respectively. Plans for case management, and prevention of further spread, not only in the province but also to neighboring countries, will need external support and funding.