Published: 1 July  2025, 11:54 am

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has intensified its public health response following a surge in measles cases, with 181 laboratory-confirmed infections reported between January 1 and June 13, 2025. 

Most cases have been identified in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni districts, with hotspots in Mamelodi and Winterveld (Tshwane), which have recorded 35 and 10 cases, respectively.
This outbreak follows measles clusters reported since 2022 and a subsequent vaccination campaign in 2023. In the most recent reporting period, 15 new cases were confirmed—10 in Tshwane, two each in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, and one in the West Rand.

The department has launched an aggressive, targeted vaccination campaign, particularly in schools within affected areas. Over 18,000 learners have been vaccinated across more than 30 schools in Mamelodi and Winterveld. In addition, inter-facility immunisation has commenced, offering measles-rubella booster doses to all individuals, regardless of their previous vaccination status.

The outbreak has highlighted a concerning immunity gap, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received a measles or rubella vaccine. 
Immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane —far below the threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Alarmingly, cases have also been reported in previously vaccinated individuals and adults.

In Johannesburg, response teams have vaccinated over 3,500 people in areas like Diepsloot, Midrand, Cosmo City, Hillbrow, and Rosettenville, with further efforts planned in high-traffic sites such as taxi ranks. In Ekurhuleni, over 560 children have received vaccinations in Daveyton, Slovo Park, Tembisa, and Barcelona. 
 

Although the West Rand and Sedibeng districts are not currently experiencing outbreaks, they remain on high alert, with strengthened surveillance and readiness plans in place. Sixteen hospitalisations have been reported in Tshwane, with all patients having been discharged. No deaths have occurred. 
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Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has called on parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated, emphasising that immunisation is a simple, safe, and effective way to prevent measles and rubella. “We must close the immunity gap,” she stated.

The GDoH continues to urge the public to support vaccination efforts and remain vigilant to prevent further spread.