Parents urged to immunise children against rubella virus
The highly infectious disease is identified by a distinctive rash that spreads through direct contact with the saliva or mucus of the infected person.
The City of Cape Town's Health Department has urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children's vaccinations are up to date. Picture: Western Cape government
JOHANNESBURG - Parents and guardians have been advised by the National Department of Health Department to immunise their children against the rubella virus.
The highly infectious disease is identified by a distinctive rash that spreads through direct contact with the saliva or mucus of the infected person.
The Department of Health is rolling out the measles-rubella vaccine to curb the spread.
Coughing or sneezing are some of the symptoms. However, it can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
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The National Institute for Communicable Diseases said it's concerned about the rising cases of the rubella virus in several parts of Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Statistics reveal that more than two 2,059 cases of the virus have been reported in the country, with the number expected to increase.
Just a few weeks ago, several schools in the Northern Cape were temporarily closed following a measles outbreak.
The vaccine rolled out replaces the standalone measles vaccine and is administered at six to 12 months of age.
The department urges parents to keep up to date with their children’s vaccine schedules to prevent the spread.