No To Measles
Drum English|May 18, 2017

Here’s the lowdown on this unpleasant disease – and what you need to know about vaccinations

Pieter Van Zyl
No To Measles

OUTBREAK. It’s a word that instils panic; a word that reminds us of just how vulnerable we really are. Human beings might be able to climb mountains and travel into space but microscopic organisms invisible to the naked eye are still capable of invading our bodies, taking hold and using us as a breeding ground.

That’s what the measles virus does – it gets in through the nose or mouth and settles in the mucous membranes, multiplying and causing high fever, coughs, a runny nose, watery eyes and a rash.

It’s such a serious disease that the 29 confirmed cases in Cape Town earlier this year were enough to be considered an outbreak.

Last month there were six confirmed cases in Johannesburg – most of them in primary school children who hadn’t been vaccinated.

If you’ve ever wondered why vaccination is important, consider this: Measles is the most serious of the common childhood viral illnesses because its complications include diarrhoea (which can lead to severe dehydration); ear infection (which can lead to permanent hearing loss); encephalitis (swelling of the brain, which can lead to convulsions and brain damage); and pneumonia (which can be fatal).

After the recent outbreak in Cape Town, which affected mostly teens and young adults, the provincial department of health conducted a vigorous campaign to vaccinate more than 270 000 children.

In the affected areas, children up to the age of 15 were vaccinated. In the rest of the province vaccinations were pro vided for children up to the age of five.

This story is from the May 18, 2017 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 18, 2017 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DRUM ENGLISHView All
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020