23 Nov 2023 | 10:52 AM UTC
South Africa: Elevated rubella activity across multiple areas through November; confirm vaccination, maintain basic health precautions
Elevated rubella activity across multiple areas in South Africa through November. Confirm vaccination; maintain basic health precautions.
Health officials report ongoing rubella activity in multiple areas in South Africa, with most confirmed cases occurring in the Western Cape (107 cases) and Northern Cape (52 cases). The last notable rubella outbreak was reported in 2020. Majority of cases have been reported in children under five years old. Health officials continue vaccination campaigns, particularly in high-risk areas. This represents the most-complete data available as of Nov. 23.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against rubella or immunity through previous infection. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent hand washing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. If you suspect rubella infection, call ahead before visiting a doctor to prevent the spread of the disease at clinics or hospitals.
Health authorities identified 141 rubella cases during 2020, 1,496 cases in 2019, and 1,228 cases in 2018. Rubella - German measles - is a highly contagious illness transmitted by respiratory droplets created when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Symptoms generally appear 14 days after exposure and usually start with a rash that begins on the face, and then spreads to the rest of the body, followed by a fever, runny nose, and/or a sore throat. Infection can be particularly severe in pregnant women, leading to birth defects such as delayed development, eye defects, and deafness. Rubella infection can be prevented by vaccination.
