The Gauteng Department of Health has called on parents and caregivers to take children between six months and 15 years to the nearest clinic for a measles vaccination.

The department said it has established a vaccination outreach team to roll out the vaccine programme, educate the public and vaccinate children in clinics and homes.

“The outreach will cover the whole province and is already reaching areas around the north-eastern parts of the City of Johannesburg, Tembisa, Ivory Park, Winnie Mandela and Freedom Park.

“Through this campaign, the department is aiming to vaccinate all children within the age bracket of six months and 15 years, irrespective of their vaccination status.”

The department said the movement of people will pose a risk to the containment and prevention of the disease during festive season.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air as a result of coughing and sneezing.

Measles commonly presents with high fever and a typical rash appears.

“Although there is no rash at the onset of the fever and flu-like symptoms, the patient is highly contagious during this time before the rash appears,” the department said.

It added that a non-productive cough is usually present throughout the feverish period, persisting for one to two weeks in uncomplicated cases, often being the last symptom to disappear.