“South Africa has recorded 3,209 measles cases and 312 rubella cases between December 2025 and July 2026, with infections spreading across multiple provinces. Health authorities are intensifying vaccination drives and community engagement to curb the outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, especially children and pregnant women.”
Rising Measles Cases Across Provinces
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported that measles cases have surged nationwide, with 590 new infections added in the last two weeks alone. The Western Cape (171 cases) and Free State (155 cases) are leading the outbreak, followed by Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and other provinces. This sharp increase highlights gaps in immunisation coverage and the urgent need for coordinated public health interventions.
Rubella Outbreak Among Children
Alongside measles, rubella—commonly known as German measles—has affected 312 children aged 1–14 years, accounting for over 80% of reported cases. While rubella is typically mild, it poses severe risks to pregnant women, potentially causing Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants. The NICD emphasises that rubella vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.
Public Health Response
Authorities are urging clinicians to strengthen surveillance, laboratory confirmation, and contact tracing. The Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance System (NMCSS) is being leveraged to ensure rapid reporting and response. Public awareness campaigns are being rolled out, focusing on building trust in vaccines and addressing hesitancy through engagement with community leaders and healthcare workers.
Vaccine Hesitancy Challenge
Despite South Africa’s robust immunisation programme, vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier. Misinformation, cultural beliefs, and logistical challenges in rural areas have contributed to declining vaccination rates. Experts warn that unless vaccine uptake improves, outbreaks of measles and rubella could undermine national elimination goals.
Provincial Breakdown of Measles Cases
| Province | New Measles Cases (Week 28, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Western Cape | 171 |
| Free State | 155 |
| Gauteng | 65 |
| Mpumalanga | 48 |
| Northern Cape | 44 |
| Limpopo | 43 |
| Eastern Cape | 34 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 19 |
| North West | 11 |
This distribution underscores the widespread nature of the outbreak, with both urban and rural provinces affected.
International Context
Globally, measles outbreaks have resurged in recent years due to declining vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. South Africa’s current situation mirrors trends seen in other African nations, where health systems are struggling to recover routine immunisation levels.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Jacqueline Weyer of the NICD stressed that “measles is highly contagious, and even small declines in vaccination coverage can lead to large outbreaks.” She added that rubella prevention is equally critical, given its impact on maternal and child health.
Community Engagement
Community leaders are being mobilised to promote vaccine acceptance. Religious organisations, schools, and local NGOs are playing a role in spreading accurate information and encouraging parents to bring children for immunisation.
Looking Ahead
The NICD has called for urgent nationwide vaccination campaigns, particularly targeting provinces with rising case numbers. If successful, these efforts could help South Africa meet its measles and rubella elimination goals set by the World Health Organization.
