Renewed calls for vaccination as Western Cape records rise in measles

Parents and guardians are encouraged to immunise their children as the Western Cape records an increase in measles cases.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has reported 11 laboratory-confirmed cases of meningococcal disease, including one death, in the province between 1 January and 22 February 2026.   

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Professor Hassan Mahomed, Immunisation Specialist at the Western Cape Department of Health, said it is concentrated in the metro with eight cases.

Most reported cases are in children younger than one.

Mahomed warned that, despite 2,700 confirmed cases reported last year, immunisation coverage has declined from 95% to about 70-80%, which he attributes to misinformation and vaccine shortages.

The government does not consider the current situation an outbreak.

Mahomed emphasised the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy to combat the spread of measles.

“During COVID-19, there was a lot of vaccine misinformation and that affected participation in vaccination programs… [But when] the pandemic settled, that this misinformation started sliding into other areas and measles,” he said.

To listen to Mahomed in conversation with CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: