Communities living in towns and villages bordering South Africa have been urged to get vaccinated against measles following an outbreak of the disease in the neighbouring country. 

Health officials in Botha Bothe in the north of the country and Mohale’s Hoek in the south have cautioned people to be on the lookout following an announcement of the outbreak in South Africa. 

Botha Bothe Hospital public health nurse, Mrs. Mary Letsie appealed to visitors to South Africa to have their children take vitamin A tablets to help keep the disease at bay. Normal the vitamin A is given to children under five years of age but children up to 15 years of age are now being given the prophylactic, she said. 

The measles outbreak has also raised concern in Mohale’s Hoek, according to health inspector Mr. Thabo Williams who announced that awareness campaigns are already being held in villages along the border.

10 May 2005