South Africa is grappling with a significant rise in rubella cases, with the National Department of Health issuing an urgent warning to the public as laboratory-confirmed infections surge across the country. According to the latest data from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), 10,137 rubella cases have been reported between January and November 2024, marking a troubling increase compared to the same period last year.
The majority of the reported cases have been concentrated in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces, where the disease has spread most rapidly. In total, more than 8,300 of the confirmed cases—over 90%—have been among children under the age of 15, a concerning trend for health officials. Of the total cases, only one patient has been recorded over the age of 50. These statistics underscore the disproportionate impact of rubella on younger populations, particularly those who have not been vaccinated or previously exposed to the virus.
Rubella, often referred to as German measles, is a highly contagious viral infection that can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Although rubella typically causes mild symptoms in children, such as a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, the disease poses significant risks for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella during early pregnancy, there is a risk of congenital rubella syndrome, a severe condition that can result in birth defects such as deafness, blindness, and heart abnormalities in the unborn child.
Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the Department of Health, explained that while rubella in children is generally mild and self-limiting, the rapid spread of the disease in recent months highlights the vulnerability of the population, particularly among unvaccinated children. “Many children entered 2024 either unvaccinated or without prior exposure to rubella, which leaves them more susceptible to the virus,” Mohale noted. The Department has emphasized that vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, urging parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against rubella.
Health officials have also emphasized the need for greater public awareness and early detection. Parents and caregivers are being urged to monitor their children closely for common rubella symptoms, including rash, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, runny nose, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and nausea. Symptoms typically develop within two to three weeks after exposure to an infected person. Infected individuals can transmit the virus even before showing symptoms, making it even more challenging to control the spread.
While rubella is a preventable disease, the recent surge in cases has underscored the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage across all age groups. The Department of Health has reassured the public that healthcare services will remain operational throughout the festive season, ensuring that people who suspect they or their children may have rubella can access timely medical care. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent complications and reduce the risk of further transmission.
The provincial breakdown of rubella cases shows that Gauteng, the country’s most populous province, has the highest number of reported cases, with 2,603 infections. The Western Cape follows closely with 1,338 cases. Other provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal (1,996 cases), Eastern Cape (1,113 cases), and Mpumalanga (665 cases), have also reported notable increases in infections. Smaller numbers of cases have been recorded in Limpopo (190 cases), North West (899 cases), Northern Cape (862 cases), and the Free State (471 cases).
The Department of Health has urged the public to take the necessary precautions and to seek immediate medical attention if rubella symptoms are suspected. Health officials stressed that while there is no need to panic, it is essential for individuals to act promptly to help contain the spread of the virus and prevent further health risks, particularly to pregnant women and vulnerable children.