The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says South Africa recorded 2,476 laboratory-confirmed measles cases between 29 December 2025 and 21 June 2026, with the Western Cape listed with the second-highest number of cases, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Since its previous surveillance report, additional infections have been confirmed across several provinces. According to IOL, the Free State reported the largest weekly increase with 132 new cases, followed by the Western Cape with 58. Gauteng added 46 new cases, while Northern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and North West also reported fresh infections.
Although measles is often associated with young children, the NICD says there has been a noticeable rise in infections among older teenagers and adults. Around 71% of confirmed cases have been recorded in children aged between one and 14 years, but almost 18% involved people older than 15.
Health experts believe this may point to immunity gaps in older age groups who either missed vaccinations or did not receive the recommended two-dose schedule.
While measles outbreaks are being reported across the country, the NICD says the Western Cape, particularly Cape Town, continues to experience significant transmission.
Outbreaks generally occur in communities where vaccination rates have fallen below recommended levels. Even though isolated cases can still appear in well-vaccinated populations, maintaining high immunisation coverage remains the most effective way to prevent widespread outbreaks.
Reportedly, the NICD has urged healthcare workers to investigate every suspected case quickly.
‘All suspected measles and rubella cases should be investigated promptly.’
– The NICD
Officials say laboratory testing, rapid reporting and contact tracing remain essential to slowing the spread of the virus and supporting South Africa’s long-term goal of eliminating measles.
In Parliament, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi outlined several measures aimed at increasing vaccine coverage across the country. The Department of Health is working towards reaching a 95% vaccination target through routine immunisation programmes, catch-up campaigns, outreach services and improved tracking of children who missed their scheduled vaccinations.
Special attention is being given to districts where vaccine uptake remains low, with provinces instructed to strengthen local immunisation plans and improve vaccine availability at clinics. The department is also continuing its Big Catch-Up campaign, launched to vaccinate children who missed routine immunisations during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Motsoaledi, vaccination coverage has declined in recent years due to a combination of vaccine hesitancy, missed appointments, healthcare system pressures and challenges reaching remote communities.
Health authorities say rebuilding trust in vaccines is becoming just as important as making vaccines available. The NICD is encouraging greater community engagement through healthcare workers, schools and local leaders to help address misinformation and encourage parents to keep children’s immunisations up to date.
Alongside the measles outbreak, the NICD has confirmed 338 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases during the same reporting period, including 26 new infections recorded in the latest update. Most rubella cases have also been reported among children aged one to 14 years.
The institute warns that although rubella is usually a mild illness, it can have devastating consequences during pregnancy.
‘Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, resulting in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants.’
– The NICD
Health officials are urging clinicians to remain alert for both measles and rubella symptoms while encouraging families to ensure children receive all recommended vaccinations on time. As schools remain busy and families continue travelling during the year, experts say maintaining high vaccination coverage will be critical to preventing further outbreaks across South Africa.
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