Measles red alert in CT
2010-02-01 21:27
Johannesburg - The City of Cape Town on Monday issued a warning about a measles outbreak.
Cape Town's health department spokesperson Ivan Bromfield said: "A measles outbreak which started in Gauteng last year has spread to all provinces in the country, including the Western Cape."
He said more than 100 cases of measles had been reported in Cape Town since October.
Measles is a viral infection and is characterised by a cough, runny nose, fever and a blotchy red rash that appears several days after the initial symptoms.
A person who contracts measles is infectious the day before the symptoms occur and for about four days before and after the rash appears.
"The rash first develops in the facial area, with swelling of the eyes, conjunctiva and a redness of the mouth. The rash then spreads over the body within three to seven days," said Bromfield.
After the second day of the rash, there was minimal risk for infecting others.
Measles was most severe in children who are malnourished and under the age of one.
The disease was also more severe in adults than in children over the age of two, with potential complications including ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia, croup and convulsions.
Health officials recommend that all children routinely receive a measles vaccination at nine months and a booster injection at 18 months.
"Measles immunisations are available free of charge from all city health clinics," said Bromfield.
"Measles is a preventable disease and the city urges residents to be aware of the symptoms and to ensure that their children's vaccinations are up to date," he said.
- SAPA