A rubella outbreak has been confirmed countrywide with more than 8,000 infections identified - but health authorities say there is no need to panic - yet. National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) spokesperson Dr Kerrigan McCarthy said yesterday 8,700 positive cases had been identified.
"NICD is reporting a large increase in rubella cases nationwide. As of week 40 [end of September], over 8,700 positive cases have been identified.
"Notably, 98% of these cases have affected children under 15, with the majority occurring in the five to nine year age group.
"This surge - surpassing the figures recorded in 2015 - is attributed to a large number of children entering 2024 without prior rubella exposure or vaccination," said McCarthy.
Department of health spokesperson Foster Mohale confirmed the outbreak but said the situation was under control.
"There is no need to panic, but the public must visit their nearest health care centres as soon as they present the symptoms.
This story is from the December 20, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 20, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heritage rescheduled at Vaal
Strydom the jockey to follow on rest of the card.
Quitting on TV: good or bad?
Clinton Larsen became the second coach to quit live on television this season on Saturday.
Sharks make a move in the URC
The Sharks made their move up the United Rugby Championship (URC) table with a breathtaking derby win over the Bulls in Durban, while the Stormers returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over the Lions in Cape Town.
PINK PROTEAS PLUCKED
ODI: KLAASEN HEROICS NOT ENOUGH AS PAKISTAN SECURE 3-0 WHITEWASH
Larsen quits after Cup loss
Magesi FC head coach Clinton Larsen announced his resignation live on television after his side were beaten 3-0 by the Carling All Stars in the Carling Cup on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.
Usyk maintains perfect record
GREATEST: UKRAINIAN PRAISES HIS 'BEST FRIEND' FURY
Tai hopes to keep cool at Masters
Singapore - Amateur Hiroshi Tai cites Green Jacket winners Hideki Matsuyama and Scottie Scheffler among his golfing heroes and is hoping \"not to be in awe\" of them when he becomes the first Singaporean to tee off at the US Masters in April.
Pep: we will come right eventually
Birmingham - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted his struggling Premier League champions will regain their confidence after a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday meant they had lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
Hot Liverpool hit Spurs for six
EPL: MAN UNITED WELL BEATEN AS EVERTON HOLD BLUES
Blue chips ditching ESG
LOANS: 'STILL COMMITTED TO GOVERNANCE'
