Latest news with #MondliMvambi
The Herald
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Free State health department urges parents to vaccinate children amid measles surge
The Free State health department has stressed the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles. Last week the department confirmed a measles outbreak in the Lejweleputswa district, with the hardest-hit areas Nala (Bothaville), Masilonyana, Matjhabeng and Tswelopele. Health department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said the public should act swiftly to protect children from the highly contagious disease as most of the affected people are children aged between five and nine. 'We urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles. The measles vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect your child and the community from this disease.' So far, the department has recorded 64 confirmed cases: 12 in Nala 9 in Masilonyana 38 in Matjhabeng 5 in Tswelopele 'Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications. It is crucial for parents and guardians to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms associated with measles. If your child exhibits any symptoms, take them to your nearest healthcare facility immediately,' said Mvambi. Symptoms include a runny nose, a red rash, feeling tired, coughing, fever and conjunctivitis (red eyes). He also urged parents and guardians to share information with each other. 'Your health and the health of our community are our priorities. Together we can prevent the spread of measles and protect our children.' The outbreak in the Free State is part of a wider concern. From epidemiological week 1 to week 18 of 2025, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) recorded 182 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in South Africa, with 42 in the Free State and 104 in Gauteng. In the same period, 280 rubella cases were reported, with 107 in the North West. According to the NICD, while most cases affected children aged one to 15, there has been a notable increase in infections among people aged 15 to 49. 'Measles and rubella affected mostly children aged one to 15, with an increase in cases in the age group 15 to 49 in the fever rash surveillance used to monitor measles and rubella virus circulation,' said the NICD. Health authorities urged communities to be alert, take preventive measures and prioritise vaccinations to curb the spread. TimesLIVE
The South African
06-07-2025
- Health
- The South African
Measles outbreak confirmed in this province
The Free State Health Department have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Lejweleputswa district, prompting urgent calls for vaccination and heightened awareness among parents and caregivers. The outbreak has resulted in 64 confirmed cases across Nala, Masilonyana, Matjhabeng and Tswelopele municipalities. Most of the cases involve children between the ages of 5 and 9. 'Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications,' said Health Department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi. 'It is crucial for parents and guardians to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms associated with measles.' Symptoms include fever, red rash, runny nose, fatigue, cough, and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Anyone noticing these signs in a child should seek medical attention immediately. 'We urge all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles,' said Mvambi. 'The measles vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect your child and the community from this disease.' The department stresses that preventing the spread of measles relies heavily on vaccination and community awareness. Parents are advised to check their children's vaccination records, consult clinics if uncertain, and spread awareness within their neighbourhoods. 'Your health and the health of our community are our top priorities,' Mvambi emphasised. 'Together, we can prevent the spread of measles and protect our children.' Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Free State health authorities on high alert after measles outbreak in Nala region
The Free State Department of Health has issued an alert regarding a measles outbreak in the Lejweleputswa Nala (Bothaville) region of the province. This comes after the confirmation of 64 cases of the viral infection in the areas of Nala, Masilonyana, Matjhabeng and Tswelopele. Children between the ages of five and nine are the most affected by the outbreak. 'Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications. It is crucial for parents and guardians to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms associated with measles,' spokesperson Mondli Mvambi says. The following symptoms are associated with the viral infection: Runny nose Red rash Feeling tired Cough Fever Conjunctivitis (red eyes) 'We urge all parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against measles. The measles vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect your child and the community from this disease,' he adds. Actions you can take: Keep an eye on your child for any symptoms mentioned above. If symptoms develop, visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Ensure your child is up to date with their measles vaccinations. If you have questions about vaccination status, consult your clinic or healthcare provider. Share this information with other parents and caregivers in your community. 'Your health and the health of our community are our top priorities. Together, we can prevent the spread of measles and protect our children. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact your local clinic,' Mvambi says. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
