SA measles cases hit 3,462 as infant vaccinations fall

By Echos News ZA Editorial Team
Published: Aug 27, 2026

South Africa has recorded 3,462 confirmed measles cases in 2026, with outbreaks spreading across several provinces and a sharp rise in unvaccinated infants. Health officials warn that declining immunisation rates are leaving children vulnerable to diseases once thought under control.

Measles cases surge nationwide

The Department of Health confirmed that measles outbreaks are active in multiple provinces, including the Western Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape. Laboratory data shows 3,462 confirmed cases since January, with infections concentrated among children. Officials say this is no longer a theoretical risk but a real public health emergency.

Children remain the most affected group, with 70.9% of cases reported among those aged between one and 14 years. The pattern reflects gaps in vaccination coverage, leaving thousands of children exposed to preventable illness. Health workers in rural areas report clusters of infections where vaccination campaigns have struggled to reach families.

Measles is highly contagious, spreading through coughing and sneezing. Without vaccination, one infected child can transmit the virus to dozens of others. Hospitals in affected provinces have admitted children with severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Doctors warn that measles can be fatal, especially in infants and malnourished children.

Vaccination coverage declines

Health data shows a steep drop in immunisation rates over the past five years. The proportion of infants who received no vaccines at all rose from 12.1% in 2017 to 36.3% between January and April 2026. This tripling of unvaccinated children has created conditions for outbreaks to spread rapidly.

Coverage for the first dose of the measles vaccine fell from 87% in 2021 to 67% in 2025. Uptake of the hexavalent vaccine, which protects against six diseases including diphtheria and pertussis, declined from 87% to 60.5% in the same period. Health spokesperson Foster Mohale warned that at current levels, South Africa is unlikely to reach the World Health Organization’s 90% threshold required for herd immunity.

Officials say the decline is linked to missed appointments, vaccine hesitancy, and disruptions in health services. Some parents have expressed concerns about vaccine safety, while others face challenges accessing clinics in remote areas. Health experts stress that vaccines remain safe and effective, and that the risks of preventable diseases far outweigh any fears.

The Department of Health has urged parents to ensure children are vaccinated, stressing that immunisation is a shared responsibility. Community health workers are being deployed to schools and local centres to encourage families to catch up on missed doses. Officials say restoring trust in the vaccination programme is critical to reversing the decline.

Wider risks and government response

Beyond measles, other vaccine-preventable diseases are re-emerging. Sporadic diphtheria cases have been detected in the Western Cape, while pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has been reported in several provinces. Nearly 400 rubella cases have been confirmed among children aged one to 14, raising concerns for pregnant women who face risks of congenital rubella syndrome. Doctors warn that rubella infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, including heart problems and hearing loss.

South Africa remains polio-free since 2014, but imported strains were recently detected in Cape Town wastewater. Health experts say this highlights the importance of maintaining strong immunisation systems to prevent reintroduction of the virus. Surveillance teams continue to monitor wastewater samples to detect early signs of polio circulation.

The Department of Health has announced catch-up vaccination campaigns across all 52 districts. Officials say vaccine supply and cold-chain infrastructure are being prioritised to ensure doses reach clinics nationwide. Parents are urged to take unvaccinated children to health facilities immediately to close immunity gaps. Mobile clinics are being deployed in rural areas to reach families who struggle with transport.

Health authorities emphasise that vaccines remain the most effective tool to protect children and communities. Without urgent action, outbreaks of measles and other diseases could intensify, placing further strain on hospitals and public health systems. Experts warn that South Africa risks reversing decades of progress in child health if immunisation rates continue to fall.

International organisations, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, have expressed concern about declining vaccination coverage in South Africa. They note that similar trends are being seen in other countries, often linked to misinformation and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Global health leaders say restoring confidence in vaccines is essential to prevent the resurgence of diseases once thought eliminated.

Source: Daily Voice | By: Simon Majadibodu

© 2026 Echos News ZA. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

This article is published by Echos News ZA for informational and editorial purposes. All content is based on verified sources and independent editorial judgment. Echos News ZA does not endorse or oppose any political party, public figure, or organization. Readers are encouraged to consult original reports and official releases for complete context.

Copyright for images, videos, and external materials belongs to their original creators. Echos News ZA does not host, store, or upload third‑party content, and any use of such materials is under fair use, commentary, or with proper attribution where applicable.

Our coverage complies with Google AdSense policies on factual reporting, neutrality, and non‑sensational content.

⬅ Return to Home