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.