Vaccination efforts ramp up as Western Cape faces meningococcal meningitis and measles cases
Published: 26 Mar 2026
Author: Precedence Research
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is closely monitoring meningococcal meningitis cases in the Western Cape. Timely vaccinations are crucial to protect children in such situations. Officials have reassured the public that these sporadic cases do not indicate an outbreak. The Department is also managing a measles and diphtheria outbreak because of declining childhood immunisation rates and population immunity gaps in the province.
Department of Health and Wellness, Shimoney Regter said We are monitoring disease surveillance data to identify trends, clusters, outbreaks, and areas that must be prioritised for target vaccination or outreach. Support from health authorities to ensure they receive the necessary preventive treatment and information. Certain strains of meningococcal disease can be prevented through vaccination.
According to Towards Healthcare, the Meningococcal Vaccines Market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 4.28 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 6.38 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2026 to 2035. It helps to improve Immunisation in the most effective way to prevent infants from fever, becoming unusually sleepy, or struggling to eat; they should be taken to their nearest clinic immediately.
Meningococcal meningitis
It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It spreads through fine droplets released during speaking, coughing, or sneezing. Anyone can become infected, especially in situations of overcrowding or close contact, such as schools, crèches, hostels, and student residences.
Meningitis is a dangerous disease and can be fatal. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if they or their child develops these symptoms.
Measles
It is a highly contagious viral illness that affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms include high fever, rash, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and coughing. Healthcare workers can diagnose measles based on symptoms and confirm infection through laboratory testing. Complications of measles can include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection, and blindness. The measles-rubella vaccine (MR) is part of the national immunisation schedule and is provided at ages 6 months and 12 months.
Diphtheria
It is a serious bacterial infection caused by a toxin in the back of the throat, making it difficult to breathe or swallow. It begins with a sore throat, mild fever, and chills, followed by swelling of the neck and formation of the thick, grey-white coating. The disease spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and individuals can remain infectious for up to two weeks after symptoms begin.
A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the Meningococcal Vaccines Market will help us protect our children by ensuring they receive their routine immunisations and by signing consent forms when our school vaccination teams visit.