South Africa: Increase in cases of measles and malaria

Event

South Africa has experienced an increase in the numbers of reported malaria cases in recent weeks, and the province of Gauteng has officially declared a measles outbreak, after 17 cases of the virus have been recorded in recent weeks. Of the 17 confirmed measles cases, 13 were in Johannesburg, three in Tshwane, and one in Ekurhuleni.

The increase in the number of malaria cases has been attributed to a particularly rainy monsoon season in 2016/2017. In the 2016/2017 season, a total of 9748 cases were recorded, while only 6375 cases were recorded in 2015/2016.

Context

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that typically affects mostly children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of infected persons. The disease remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Symptoms of measles is usually a high fever, which begins approximately ten to 12 days after exposure to the virus and lasts four to seven days. A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck. Over about three days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for five to six days and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of seven to 18 days).

Cases of malaria have been rising in neighboring countries, due to similar weather patterns as South Africa. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches. Early symptoms usually appear between ten and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available. Pregnant women, HIV-positive persons, children under the age of five, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Advice

Individuals are advised to ensure their vaccinations are up to date to combat measles and, if experiencing any of the above symptoms, are encouraged to seek medical attention.

To minimize the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and consider sleeping under mosquito netting if in high-risk areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise the following preventive chemoprophylaxis (prevention medications) for individuals in Colombia visiting affected regions: mefloquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil. If you develop a high fever during or after travel in areas affected by malaria, seek immediate medical attention.