Between 6 February and 31 March 2023, the Western Cape Department of Health will be providing one measles booster immunisation for every child aged 6 months to 15 years.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. It is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family and it is normally passed through direct contact and through the air. The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body.

The measles virus also weakens the immune system and makes a child more vulnerable to other infectious diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea.

While no specific antiviral treatment exists for measles virus, vaccination remains your child’s best defence.

Although your child may still get measles even if immunised, it will be less dangerous.

Here are 4 tips to care for a child at home who may have measles:

• Keep your child away from other people until the rash has been gone for four (4) days.
• Keep the room dark where your child is resting, sunlight may damage their eyes.
• Make sure that they drink lots of clean water or diluted juice. Cooled rooibos tea mixed with a little bit of juice makes a refreshing drink.
• Continue healthy eating.

If you have questions about immunisations or your child’s immunisation schedule, or how to catch up if your