Rubella cases surge in South Africa, Western Cape prison reports diphtheria outbreak

JOHANNESBURG

The South African health department has issued an alert due to an increase in confirmed cases of rubella disease in the country, which has exceeded 10,000.

The National Department of Health said late Thursday that 10,137 positive rubella cases were identified in the country between January and November 2024, which is more than the number of cases recorded last year.

According to the well-known private American academic medical center Mayo Clinic, rubella is a highly contagious viral infection distinguished by a distinctive red rash. It is also known as German measles or three-day measles. Though it is not the same as measles, both diseases have some common signs and symptoms, such as a red rash.

The South African health department says most cases have been recorded in Gauteng province, including the capital Pretoria and the largest city, Johannesburg. Cases have also been detected in the Western Cape province.

“More than 90% of the total cases are in children under 15 years of age, accounting for over 8300 cases, with only one patient over the age of 50 years,” it said.

The disease spreads from person to person through droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person.

The department said children and pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe health complications from rubella.

If pregnant mothers become infected with rubella during the first trimester of their pregnancy, they are at risk of developing congenital rubella syndrome. It may cause birth defects in the unborn child.

Diphtheria outbreak

Meanwhile, the South African Correctional Services Department said seven cases of diphtheria have been confirmed at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, according to Mayo Clinic.

Prison authorities said 44 inmates are currently in isolation, and they are looking for anyone who may have come into contact with infected people.