By NewsDesk @bactiman63
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa reported on three laboratory-confirmed measles cases in two provinces between Oct. 30 and Nov. 5.
Officials say the cases were reported in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces and do not constitute an outbreak, but warrant heightened attention (a cluster or outbreak is defined as 3 cases within one health district within one month).
NICD reports declining vaccine coverage rates since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Measles is a contagious disease caused by the measles virus and is spread by droplets from respiratory secretions of infected persons when coughing or sneezing. People at high risk for severe illness and complications from measles include infants and children aged <5 years, pregnant women and persons with compromised immune systems, such as from certain cancers and HIV infection.
Vaccination is the most important way of preventing measles. The Department of Health provides measles vaccine free of charge at local clinics.
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