The Western Cape is fighting a growing battle against preventable childhood diseases, with measles outbreaks now affecting communities from Khayelitsha to Citrusdal, while diphtheria cases continue to emerge across Cape Town.
Health officials are particularly concerned as the holiday season approaches, when families traditionally gather and travel – creating perfect conditions for these highly contagious diseases to spread further.
A provincial problem
The measles outbreaks have hit both urban townships and rural areas hard. Affected communities include Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Eerste River, Somerset West, Mitchells Plain, Kraaifontein, Wesbank, Du Noon, Fisantekraal, and Citrusdal on the West Coast.
“This isn’t just a Western Cape problem,” explains provincial health officials. “The whole country is seeing fewer children getting their routine vaccinations, and that’s putting everyone at risk.”
The drop in vaccination rates has triggered multiple outbreaks of measles, rubella, and diphtheria across the province, exposing dangerous gaps in community immunity.
Ramping up the response
Since October, the Western Cape Department of Health has intensified its vaccination campaign to protect young children from these serious diseases. The department has set up an early warning system that includes better coordination, increased disease monitoring, improved patient care, and community outreach.
Special vaccination drives are being rolled out in areas where measles cases are climbing rapidly. Health facilities will remain open during the holidays to help families catch up on missed vaccinations.
Know the warning signs
Measles strikes the respiratory system and is extremely contagious. Parents should watch for:
- High fever
- Skin rash
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Persistent coughing
If your child shows these symptoms, keep them home and seek medical attention immediately. Don’t wait – especially if your child has a fever, seems unusually sleepy, or won’t eat.
The disease can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, severe diarrhea, brain infections, and even blindness. Babies under two and malnourished children face the highest risk.
Diphtheria is caused by bacterial toxins and creates a thick coating in the nose or throat that can block breathing. Early signs include:
- Sore throat
- Mild fever and chills
- Throat swelling
- White or gray coating in the nose or throat
- Neck swelling
The disease spreads through coughs and sneezes, and infected people can spread it for up to two weeks.
Free protection available
The good news? Both diseases are completely preventable with vaccines, and these vaccines are free at all public health facilities. Private clinics and public-private partnerships also offer vaccination services.
Children can receive catch-up doses if they’ve missed any vaccinations. The diphtheria vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines at six weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 18 months, with boosters at six and 12 years.
Don’t assume your child is protected
Health officials have a clear message for parents: don’t guess about your child’s immunity. Check their vaccination records and make sure they’re up to date.
“Help us protect all our children,” urges the health department. “Bring them for routine immunisations and sign consent forms when our school vaccination teams visit.”
As families prepare for holiday celebrations, ensuring children are fully vaccinated could be the most important gift parents give – protecting not just their own children, but entire communities from these dangerous diseases.
For vaccination services, visit your nearest public health facility or contact your healthcare provider.
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