Gauteng Health Department Launches Province-Wide Vaccination Campaign as Measles Cases Surge in Tshwane and Johannesburg
The Gauteng Health Department (GDoH) has issued an urgent public health warning to parents and guardians as a measles outbreak intensifies across the province, particularly in the City of Tshwane. The call comes in response to a surge in confirmed infections and hospital admissions, and aims to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease by ramping up vaccination efforts in schools and communities.
On Sunday, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, addressed the rising concern with a strong appeal to the public:
“We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. Vaccination is simple, safe, and is our best protection against harmful diseases,” she said.
Where Are the Most Measles Cases in Gauteng?
Between 1 January and 19 June 2025, the GDoH recorded a staggering 191 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with Tshwane accounting for 81 of them—making it the province’s hardest-hit district.
Breakdown by region:
- Tshwane: 81 cases (Outbreak hotspots: Mamelodi and Winterveld)
- Johannesburg: 80 cases (Diepsloot, Cosmo City, Hillbrow, Midrand, and Rosettenville)
- Ekurhuleni: 27 cases (Daveyton, Slovo Park, Tembisa, and Barcelona)
- Sedibeng: 2 cases
- West Rand: 1 case
Despite intensive efforts, the department acknowledges that immunisation coverage remains below 75% for the second dose of the measles vaccine in both Tshwane and Johannesburg—well below the threshold required to achieve herd immunity.
School and Community Vaccination Campaigns in Full Swing
In response to the outbreak, over 18 000 pupils across 31 schools in Tshwane have already been vaccinated. In Johannesburg, more than 3 500 individuals have received measles vaccines through localised community outreach.
The province has now launched a four-week, province-wide vaccination campaign, with a strong focus on:
- Interfacility immunisation for all age groups, regardless of vaccination history.
- Booster doses for both children and adults.
- Rapid deployment of outreach teams to high-risk zones.
Districts like Ekurhuleni have made considerable progress, having already vaccinated 560 children across several areas, while West Rand and Sedibeng, despite low case numbers, remain on high alert with intensified surveillance.
Hospitalisations and Isolation Measures
The department confirmed 16 hospital admissions in Tshwane related to measles, but all patients have since been discharged. No deaths have been reported.
In response, all public health facilities have been directed to:
- Isolate confirmed positive cases.
- Vaccinate all close contacts immediately.
- Provide Vitamin A supplements to reduce complications in suspected cases.
- Encourage infected individuals to isolate at home for a minimum of seven days.
Urging Public Cooperation
The department has reiterated the importance of public support in this urgent health matter.
“We encourage everyone to support our outreach teams and protect our children’s health,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The GDoH emphasises that vaccination is free, safe, and remains the most effective defence against both measles and rubella, particularly in children who are most vulnerable.
Quick Facts:
🔴 Cases recorded (Jan–June 2025): 191
📍 Worst-hit area: Tshwane (81 cases)
🏥 Hospitalisations: 16 (all discharged)
💉 Vaccination Coverage: <75% in Johannesburg and Tshwane
📢 Action: Four-week province-wide campaign + Interfacility immunisation
Parents: Don’t Wait—Vaccinate!
If you live in Gauteng and your child hasn’t received the second measles vaccine dose, now is the time to act. Contact your nearest clinic or participate in your local school vaccination drive.
Also read: Measles – Symptoms & causes
