Measles outbreak confirmed in KZN
The majority of people affected by the current measles outbreak in KZN fall into the 5 to 10-years age category.
The National Institute for Communicable Disease says 23 laboratory-confirmed cases have been detected in 4 of the province's 11 districts. 14 cases are in eThekwini, 6 in Umgungundlovu, 2 in Ilembe and 1 in the Uthukela district. 3 patients are below the age of 5 while 1 is 51.
The institute's Kerrigan McCarthy is urging people to get vaccinated against the disease.
"Measles vaccination is one of the most durable interventions. The vaccination is 95% effective. During an outbreak we do offer a boost of the vaccination just in case there are some people who fall in the the 5% gap where vaccination is not fully effective, but generally vaccination is protective for life," she said.
McCarthy says some communities are choosing not to vaccinate because the vaccines contain a porcine gelatin.
"Measles is, and can be, a fatal disease and for the sake of children's protection one would want to vaccinate," McCarthy said.
"Secondly, one does not only vaccinate to protect their own child because measles are contagious and easily transmitted," she said.