Measles
The South Africa National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports from December 29, 2025 to February 8, 2026 (Epi Weeks 1-6) indicated that 307 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported nationally. The Western Cape reported the highest number of new cases (56), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (13), Mpumalanga (10), Free State (5), Gauteng (4), Northern Cape (2), Limpopo (2), and North West (2).
Most of the reported measles cases were children aged 1-14 years (168/307; 54.7%), with an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases among people aged >15 years (89/307; 29.0%). This is indicative of continuing transmission within communities and possibly an immunity gap in older age groups.
Rubella
A total of 32 laboratory-confirmed rubella cases were reported in South Africa from data available from December 29, 2025 to February 8, 2026 (EPI Weeks 1–6) through fever-rash surveillance. Rubella cases have decreased nationally in comparison to the same period in 2025.
Rubella is endemic in South Africa, with an increase in circulation in autumn and spring. Rubella primarily affects children under 15 years of age and typically results in a self-limiting acute infection. Nationally, the most affected age group was children 1-14 years (22/32; 68.8%).
Rubella, also known as German measles, spreads easily through coughs and sneezes, and can be dangerous for unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected. The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination with the MR vaccine. This vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. Women planning pregnancy should confirm their rubella immunity status with a healthcare provider. Community awareness and participation in vaccination campaigns are key to protecting everyone, especially pregnant women and their unborn children, from rubella and its serious complications.
Diphtheria
Between 1 January 2024 and 15 February 2026, 93 confirmed cases of respiratory diphtheria, two probable respiratory diphtheria cases and 62 asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic C. diphtheriae, detected during contact tracing, have been identified in South Africa.
The majority of confirmed cases and carriers (77%, 119/155) were from the Western Cape, comprising 69 respiratory diphtheria cases and 50 asymptomatic carriers.
The median age for cases of confirmed respiratory diphtheria was 25 years (range: 2-55 years), with 69% (64/93) being 18 years and older. The overall case-fatality ratio (CFR) among probable and confirmed respiratory diphtheria cases was 20% (19/95). Among children and adolescents under 18 years, the CFR was 25% (7/28), compared to 18% (12/67) among adults.
Between 1 January 2024 and 15 February 2026, four cutaneous toxigenic diphtheria cases have been identified, three from Gauteng and one from the Western Cape.
