South Africa News

NICD Warns of Rubella Outbreak in South Africa, Pregnant Women at Risk

A Rubella outbreak has been confirmed in South Africa by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), primarily affecting children under ten and pregnant women. Symptoms of the viral infection include fever, rash, runny nose, red eyes, and cough.

The NICD has warned of significant risks for pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester, as exposure to Rubella may lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). This condition can cause severe abnormalities in unborn babies, including heart defects, blindness, and deafness.

To mitigate the risks, the NICD advises pregnant women to seek medical advice if they’ve been in contact with an infected person. Dr. Kerrigan McCarthy, NICD spokesperson, recommends that pregnant women diagnosed with Rubella be referred to specialist obstetric services for guidance on their baby’s health.

In response to the outbreak, the Department of Health has introduced the Rubella vaccine for children aged six and nine months. The NICD expects the outbreak to be contained by the end of the year or early January.

 

Source: Thepressradio.com|BA

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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