FILE PHOTO: PIXABAY
The national department of health is warning of a new virus that’s making the rounds, saying a notable increase in cases has been detected in at least four provinces in the country.
Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said the department was alerted by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
The affected provinces include the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
“The Department of Health urges parents and caregivers to ensure children are up to date with vaccination schedule against serious diseases that are prevented by vaccines.
He said rubella, otherwise known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus.
“The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and can also be transmitted from mother to foetus during pregnancy.
“It generally causes a mild illness in children and adults, characterized by a low-grade fever, rash, and sometimes joint pain.
“It can lead to congenital rubella syndrome in the foetus, resulting in death, miscarriages, stillbirth or severe birth defects in infants.
“The incubation period of rubella ranges from 14 to 21 days,” Mohale said.
In recent weeks, the department said it had received enquiries following a closure of schools in the Northern Cape after a rubella case was detected amongst school learners.
“Although, proactive and effective measures to prevent further spread of the disease are always recommended, but the school closure should only be implemented as the last resort after all measures have been employed.”
