Kimberley
The Northern Cape Department of Health has intensified its public health response following a continued rise in measles cases across the province.The Department says it remains on high alert and is working with districts to strengthen surveillance, ensure rapid response and improve vaccination coverage.
A total of 767 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported from 03 October 2025 to 30 September 2026. Most cases are from ZF Mgcawu District with 303 cases, John Taolo Gaetsewe with 282, Frances Baard with 156 and Pixley Ka Seme with 27 cases.
The Diamond & Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon is back for 2026!
Get ready to experience one of South Africa’s most iconic races once again as
you run through the historic city of Kimberley and become part of an
unforgettable marathon tradition once again.
Diairise the 24th and 25th of October 2026!
We’re going bigger and better this year
The outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or measles/rubella vaccine.Immunisation coverage for the second dose remains below 70% in all affected districts, far below the level needed to prevent outbreaks.
This has contributed to the increase, including among some previously vaccinated individuals and adults.In response, the department has embarked on targeted vaccination campaigns. Over 4,700 people have been vaccinated in John Taolo Gaetsewe, and inter-facility immunisation offering booster doses to all age groups has commenced.
In ZF Mgcawu, targeted campaigns in Postmasburg have ended the outbreak there, with no cases reported since 17 June 2026. The outbreak has now moved to Upington in the Dawid Kruiper municipality with 204 cases and Kai !Garib with 37 cases.In Pixley Ka Seme, more than 444 close contacts were vaccinated in Griekwastad. No cases have been reported since 12 August, indicating the end of the outbreak in that district.
Frances Baard District remains on high alert, conducting immediate contact tracing and vaccination of close contacts.Health facilities have been instructed to isolate suspected cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately. The public is reminded that infected individuals must isolate at home for at least seven days.
All suspected cases are treated symptomatically and given Vitamin A to reduce complications.The department urges all parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated and to cooperate with health teams conducting school and community campaigns.
