The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported an increase in rubella cases across the country. The NICD says 8543 cases have occurred in children under 15 years of age, with the bulk occurring in the 5-9-year age group. Additionally, the number of cases in 2024 is exceeding the number of rubella cases identified through fever-rash surveillance cases since 2015.
NICD SAYS RUBELLA CASES IN 2024 ARE THE HIGHEST SINCE 2015 The NICD said it has been inundated with fever-rash samples for testing, and it is evident that there is a marked increase in rubella cases across the country. According to the institution, presently, an estimated 6 000 samples are awaiting testing, including samples from week 40 (commencing 29 September 2024) onward. Whilst a seasonal increase in cases is expected every year, usually occurring from September to December each year, notably, the number of cases is much larger in 2024 compared with previous years.
WHAT COULD BE THE REASON BEHIND THE HIGH NUMBER OF CASES? The NICD said the reason for the large number of cases this year, compared with previous years, is because many children entered 2024 without prior exposure to rubella, or without being vaccinated against rubella. Three factors have led to the large number of children entering 2024 without rubella immunity – as follows: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The NICD said that regarding clinical aspects of rubella infection in children and adults, rubella is a self-limiting infection that.
