This is according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Measles is, however, a preventable disease for which a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available, says Dr Anchen Laubscher, medical director of Netcare.
“WHO has estimated that measles vaccination prevented an estimated 20,3 million deaths internationally between the years of 2000 and 2015. This highlights the importance of using this vaccine to protect you and your family,” she adds.
Recent outbreaks in South Africa
In February this year, a local outbreak of measles was confirmed in Stellenbosch by the Western Cape Department of Health. Shortly thereafter, in March, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) issued a high alert following an outbreak of measles in the south of Johannesburg.
A further 17 cases of measles were confirmed in Gauteng early in May. According to the Gauteng Department of Health, most of these individuals had not been vaccinated against the disease and 10 of the cases were linked to a single family whose members were not vaccinated, apparently for religious reasons.
“South Africa’s last major measles outbreak occurred between 2009 and 2011 when some 18 000 cases were reported, and these recent cases are a most concerning trend,” Dr Laubscher observes.
Highly contagious
Measles, or rubella, is a highly contagious viral disease and is one of the most dangerous of all childhood illnesses, according to Dr Laubscher.
Measles causes a rash and fever and occurs mostly during winter and spring. It is generally prevalent among young children but can be contracted at any age.
“Babies younger than one year of age, malnourished individuals or people whose immune systems are compromised, are particularly at risk of developing severe complications from measles. The most mortalities occur in people under the age of five and over the age of 20,” she cautions.
Why the comeback?
“The comeback of measles in many parts of the world can be attributed to a number of factors,” adds Dr Laubscher. “One is that many people, particularly those in poorer countries, are not able to access adequate healthcare resources.
“This results in some babies and toddlers missing their six-month, one-year or even both vaccines. In some cases, the first dose is given [at] six months and the parents or caregivers simply forget the one-year follow-up dose.”
“Furthermore, some members of the public today have concerns regarding the safety of vaccinations, while others have religious reasons for not vaccinating.
“There is also a great deal of conflicting and inaccurate information about vaccines, and as a result some parents do not take their children to be vaccinated. This means that a number of people are not adequately protected against the disease.
“Parents who suspect their child may have measles should take all the necessary precautions for the sake of the child’s health and to safeguard the health of other children. The same applies to adults who suspect they may not be protected against the disease,” she says.
