GEORGE NEWS - Western Cape Government Health and Wellness confirmed this week that there is no rubella outbreak in the Garden Route District.

The department responded to a query from George Herald following Garden Route District Municipality confirming a "pocket outbreak" of rubella (German measles) in George.

Roche Laws of the health department's communications section said the Centre for Vaccines and Immunology at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases reviewed available surveillance data and confirmed a total of 11 cases in the Garden Route District. 

"Of these, five positive cases have been reported in the George subdistrict in the week of 17 to 23 March."

"We are seeing an increase in cases of rubella in the Western Cape, including in the Garden Route District, which started towards the end of 2023. 

"However, it is important to reiterate that this is not an outbreak but an expected increase. With many people susceptible to rubella through absent community circulation of the virus since 2020, an upsurge in cases is to be expected. 

"The age group most affected are young children, under the age of 15," said Roche.

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on Thursday 28 March stated that there was a "pocket outbreak" of rubella. 

GRDM said there were suspected cases in Thembalethu, Borcherds, Rosedale, Parkdene, Conville and Pacaltsdorp.

Herman Pieters, head of communications at GRDM said, "What could have contributed could have been close contact at playgroups, afterschool facilities and crèches as well as not seeking immediate medical care for children who presented with symptoms, thereby delaying isolation. There is also a lack of knowledge, and symptoms could be mistaken for flu."

The illness is caused by the rubella virus and it is highly contagious. Symptoms include fever and a rash. "While it is typically a mild illness in children and adults, it can be very harmful if contracted by a pregnant woman."

Pieters said to contain the spread, environmental health practitioners were dispatched to do home visits and visits to crèches to provide health and hygiene education. 

"The surveillance and prevention of communicable diseases is one of the key performance areas of the GRDM's health services."

Pamphlets were also handed out at taxi ranks, shops and other businesses for further distribution to the public. "The public must be vigilant to the signs and symptoms and must visit the nearest health care facility when the disease is suspected."

Read a previous article:

Pocket outbreak of rubella in George

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