By Montsho Matlala
Limpopo: Growing fears are emerging that Limpopo could be heading for a severe measles outbreak, fueled by a lack of awareness among parents about the importance of vaccinating their children against the preventable disease, which can be deadly if untreated.
Vaccine shortages at primary health care facilities, as well as parental hesitancy, are also cited as possible reasons for the rising number of cases.
According to health experts, measles spreads when an infected person coughs out the virus into the air, where it can be inhaled by others.
For the unvaccinated, the consequences can be life-threatening, especially for children.
Although the Limpopo Department of Health has yet to respond to questions sent nearly two weeks ago, well-placed sources confirm growing infections among children between 12 and 15 months old.
Senior Professional Nurse, Refiloe Leho (name changed to protect identity) said the increase in measles cases in Limpopo was first noticed in late 2022, with 77 laboratory-confirmed cases recorded between September and November of that year.
“Outbreaks occurred mainly in three districts—Sekhukhune, Mopani, and Waterberg—and children affected were aged between 1 and 9,” she said.
According to Leho, parents cite various reasons for avoiding vaccination.
“Some people give religious reasons, while others worry about safety, saying their children fell ill after being vaccinated. Fear of side effects or adverse reactions is another reason often mentioned.
But mainly, it is a lack of information about immunisation that leads parents to object or hesitate. Others lack trust in public health facilities or want more information. Some even believe vaccines cause diseases such as measles,” she explained.
First-time mother Mantoa Lega (18), from Ga-Sekgopo in Mopani District, says she ensures her one-year-old son is vaccinated, despite lingering fears.
“There are rumours that vaccines infect people with HIV, other diseases, or even Covid. But I continue to allow my child to be vaccinated—just in case,” she said.
Another parent, Jasinda Losho (29, not her real name) of Seshego in Capricorn District, said she hears negative stories about vaccines almost daily.
“But I make sure to ask knowledgeable people, including my grandmother, for clarity. I also read and listen to health experts on credible media platforms for the sake of my two children, aged four years and nine months,” Losho explained.
