The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has raised concern over a decline in infant immunisation coverage.
Image: File: Independent Newspapers
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is closely monitoring meningococcal meningitis cases in the province.
This comes after 11 cases, including one death, were confirmed between January 1 and February 22, 2026.
The Department has recorded eight cases in the Cape Town Metro, two cases in the Cape Winelands, and one case in the Overberg District.
The majority of reported cases were in children under the age of 1. The cases are sporadic and do not constitute an outbreak.
The Department said it is also managing a measles and diphtheria outbreak due to the declining childhood immunisation rates and population immunity gaps in the Western Cape.
“We are monitoring disease surveillance data to identify trends, clusters, outbreaks, and areas that must be prioritised for target vaccination or outreach,” it said.
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The disease is severe but is uncommon. It spreads through fine droplets released during speaking, coughing, or sneezing.
Anyone can become infected, especially in situations of overcrowding or close contact, such as schools, crèches, hostels, and student residences.
Common signs and symptoms include:
“Meningitis is a dangerous disease and can be fatal. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if they or their child develops these symptoms.
“Meningococcal disease is endemic to South Africa, occurring all year round, with a peak from June to October. Infants are the most affected, followed by the 15 - 24-year age category,” the department said.
Meningococcal disease is a notifiable medical condition, and all laboratory-confirmed and clinically suspected cases are required to be reported, with timeous follow-up and provision of prophylaxis (antibiotics) to exposed close contacts.
According to the Department, anyone who has had close contact with a person diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis will be identified and supported by health authorities to ensure they receive the necessary preventive treatment and information.
Certain strains of meningococcal disease can be prevented through vaccination.
“South Africa has registered meningococcal vaccines. Where available, both are recommended for people at higher risk. The meningococcal vaccine is not part of the national immunisation programme but is accessible at tertiary hospitals, where it is offered to individuals identified as being at high risk for invasive meningococcal disease or privately when prescribed by a doctor,” the Department said.
Cases of measles have been rising in the Cape Town Metro with 203 laboratory-confirmed cases between December 29, 2025, and February 15, 2026.
Targeted measles vaccination began in Du Noon on February 18, 2026, and continues where clusters or outbreaks are identified, including the Eastern, Mitchells Plain, Northern, and Tygerberg sub-districts.
The Department said it has activated its early warning and response system, strengthening outbreak coordination, surveillance, clinical management, and community engagement.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that affects the respiratory tract.
Symptoms:
Healthcare workers can diagnose measles based on symptoms and confirm infection through laboratory testing.
“Parents are urged to look out for symptoms and keep children at home if they show any 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 said.
Complications of measles can include: pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection, and blindness. “These are more severe in infants under two years and in malnourished children. The measles-rubella vaccine (MR) is part of the national immunisation schedule and is provided at ages six months and 12 months. Catch-up doses can be given if a child has missed a vaccination,” the Department said.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by a toxin that leads to a thick coating at the back of the throat, making it difficult to breathe or swallow. It begins with a sore throat, mild fever, and chills, followed by swelling of the neck and formation of a thick, grey‑white coating.
The disease spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and individuals can remain infectious for up to two weeks after symptoms begin. Prolonged close contact increases the risk of transmission.
“Immunisation is the most effective way to prevent diphtheria. Children should receive the diphtheria-containing (Hexavalent) vaccine at six, 10, and 14 weeks; 18 months; and booster doses (Tdap) at six and 12 years. Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk, regardless of age. If symptoms appear, visit the nearest health facility urgently for assessment and testing,” the Department said.
Parents and guardians have been urged to immunise their children.
“Free childhood vaccines are available at all public health facilities, and catch‑up doses can be administered if a child has missed a scheduled immunisation. Immunisations are also available through private healthcare providers and public–private partnerships. Immunising at this age is recommended worldwide because children have a strong immune response, making the vaccine most effective now,” the Department said.
Parents are encouraged to sign the immunisation consent form and to return it to their child’s school, and to attend clinic appointments for immunisation.