By Levy Masiteng
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases, warning that declining immunisation rates are leaving young children vulnerable to serious infections such as meningococcal meningitis, measles and diphtheria.
The call came after the department confirmed a total of 11 meningococcal disease cases, including one death, recorded between 1 January 2026 and 22 February.
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According to the department, eight cases were reported in the Cape Town Metro district, two in the Cape Winelands, and one in the Overberg District.
They said that the majority of cases involved infants under the age of one year.
Health authorities stressed that these cases are sporadic and do not constitute an outbreak.
However, the department said it is closely monitoring the situation as part of its ongoing public health surveillance.
“We are monitoring disease surveillance data to identify trends, clusters, outbreaks and areas that must be prioritised for targeted vaccination or outreach,” it said.
Meningococcal meningitis is a severe but uncommon disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.
The department said it spreads through fine respiratory droplets released when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.
“Anyone can become infected, particularly in overcrowded or close-contact settings such as schools, crèches, hostels and student residences,” the department said.
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Common symptoms include, sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, someone who is infected may experience stiff neck, irritability, sensitivity to light and have a rash with small, dark red discolourations.
“Meningitis is a dangerous disease and can be fatal. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if they or their child develop these symptoms,” the department warned.
Meningococcal disease is endemic in South Africa and occurs throughout the year, with a seasonal peak between June and October.
Infants are the most affected group, followed by young people aged 15 to 24 years.
“Anyone who has had close contact with a diagnosed case will be identified and supported to ensure they receive the necessary preventive treatment and information,” the department said.
While certain strains can be prevented through vaccination, the meningococcal vaccine is not part of the national immunisation programme.
It is available at tertiary hospitals for individuals at high risk and can also be accessed privately with a doctor’s prescription.
Meanwhile, measles infections are increasing in the province, particularly in the Cape Town Metro.
The department confirmed 203 laboratory-confirmed cases between 29 December 2025 and 15 February (weeks 1–7).
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that affects the respiratory tract and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing.
“Symptoms include high fever, rash, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis) and coughing. In severe cases, complications can include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection and blindness, especially in infants under two years and malnourished children,” the department added.
Parents are advised to keep children at home if they show signs of illness.
“If a child has a fever, becomes unusually sleepy, or struggles to eat, they should be taken to their nearest clinic immediately,” the department advised.
In response to the outbreak, targeted measles vaccination began in Du Noon on 18 February 2026 and is continuing in areas where clusters have been identified, including the Eastern, Mitchells Plain, Northern and Tygerberg sub-districts.
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The department has activated its early warning and response system to strengthen outbreak coordination, surveillance, clinical management and community engagement.
The measles-rubella (MR) vaccine forms part of the national immunisation schedule and is administered at six months and 12 months of age.
The department said catch-up doses are available for children who have missed scheduled vaccinations.
Parents are advised to go to public health facilities, to get free childhood vaccines and catch-up immunisations can be administered where needed.
Vaccines are also available through private healthcare providers and public–private partnerships.
“Immunising at the recommended age is supported worldwide because children develop a strong immune response, making vaccines most effective at this stage,” the department said.
“We urge parents not to assume their children are immune. Immunisation remains the most effective way to protect children against life-threatening diseases.”
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