Cape Town – South Africa has seen a significant rise in rubella cases between January and November 2024, with a total of 10,137 confirmed cases.
Gauteng and the Western Cape are the provinces with the highest numbers.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed an outbreak, noting that rubella is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable viral infection.
#RubellaOutbreak The Health Department has warned the public of the rising rubella cases around the country.
A total number of 10137 positive cases of rubella have been identified between Jan and Nov 2024, which is higher than cases recorded last year. pic.twitter.com/TLAGgR8Y2l
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) December 19, 2024
Most cases (over 8,300) are among children under 15, with only one case in someone over 50.
Rubella spreads through airborne droplets from an infected person, and children and pregnant women are at greater risk of severe complications.
Common symptoms include fever, rash, runny nose, and cough, appearing 2 to 3 weeks after exposure.
The Department of Health has urged parents to monitor their children’s health and seek early treatment to prevent further spread.
Public healthcare facilities remain open during the festive season.
The provincial breakdown of cases shows Gauteng (2,603), Western Cape (1,338), and other provinces contributing to the overall rise in cases.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
