Reported cases of measles in South Africa
South Africa: Reported cases of measles was 931 Cases in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Latest (2024)
931 Cases
Change on year
down 9.9%
World rank
42nd
of 210 countries
All-time high
22,745 Cases
in 1992
All-time low
17 Cases
in 2015
Years of data
46
1979–2024
Reported cases of measles in South Africa, 1979–2024
Source: World Health Organization - Global Health Observatory (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data. Measured in Cases.
Analysis
The most recent figure for reported cases of measles in South Africa is 931 Cases, measured in 2024.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 9.9% on the previous year and up 1,310.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, reported cases of measles in South Africa peaked at 22,745 Cases in 1992 and was at its lowest, 17 Cases, in 2015.
That places South Africa 42nd out of 210 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the top quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Reported cases of measles in South Africa, year by year
| Year | Cases | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 4,115 Cases | — |
| 1980 | 19,193 Cases | +366.4% |
| 1981 | 15,809 Cases | -17.6% |
| 1982 | 12,906 Cases | -18.4% |
| 1983 | 16,735 Cases | +29.7% |
| 1984 | 16,160 Cases | -3.4% |
| 1985 | 17,884 Cases | +10.7% |
| 1986 | 13,459 Cases | -24.7% |
| 1987 | 22,559 Cases | +67.6% |
| 1988 | 15,258 Cases | -32.4% |
| 1989 | 18,268 Cases | +19.7% |
| 1990 | 10,624 Cases | -41.8% |
| 1991 | 4,777 Cases | -55.0% |
| 1992 | 22,745 Cases | +376.1% |
| 1993 | 12,870 Cases | -43.4% |
| 1994 | 6,845 Cases | -46.8% |
| 1995 | 8,845 Cases | +29.2% |
| 1996 | 6,501 Cases | -26.5% |
| 1997 | 1,337 Cases | -79.4% |
| 1998 | 977 Cases | -26.9% |
| 1999 | 385 Cases | -60.6% |
| 2000 | 1,459 Cases | +279.0% |
| 2001 | 1,166 Cases | -20.1% |
| 2002 | 1,043 Cases | -10.5% |
| 2003 | 244 Cases | -76.6% |
| 2004 | 830 Cases | +240.2% |
| 2005 | 615 Cases | -25.9% |
| 2006 | 81 Cases | -86.8% |
| 2007 | 31 Cases | -61.7% |
| 2008 | 39 Cases | +25.8% |
| 2009 | 5,857 Cases | +14917.9% |
| 2010 | 12,499 Cases | +113.4% |
| 2011 | 92 Cases | -99.3% |
| 2012 | 32 Cases | -65.2% |
| 2013 | 25 Cases | -21.9% |
| 2014 | 66 Cases | +164.0% |
| 2015 | 17 Cases | -74.2% |
| 2016 | 18 Cases | +5.9% |
| 2017 | 210 Cases | +1066.7% |
| 2018 | 71 Cases | -66.2% |
| 2019 | 59 Cases | -16.9% |
| 2020 | 40 Cases | -32.2% |
| 2021 | 21 Cases | -47.5% |
| 2022 | 400 Cases | +1804.8% |
| 2023 | 1,033 Cases | +158.2% |
| 2024 | 931 Cases | -9.9% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 4,115 Cases | 4,115 Cases | 4,115 Cases | 1 |
| 1980s | 16,823 Cases | 12,906 Cases | 22,559 Cases | 10 |
| 1990s | 7,591 Cases | 385 Cases | 22,745 Cases | 10 |
| 2000s | 1,136 Cases | 31 Cases | 5,857 Cases | 10 |
| 2010s | 1,309 Cases | 17 Cases | 12,499 Cases | 10 |
| 2020s | 485 Cases | 21 Cases | 1,033 Cases | 5 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More health data for South Africa
- Un projection of annual infant deaths, annual growth rate -2.2 % change on previous year (2100)
- Heat deaths vs projected death rates, annual growth rate -0.1386 % change on previous year (2090)
- Estimated changes in temperature-related death rates compared to projected death rates 1,152 deaths per 1,000 people (2090)
- Number of infants who die before age 1 3,333 deaths (2100)
- Population ages 80 and above, female, per capita 0.0081 units per person (2025)
- Population ages 80 and above, male, annual growth rate 2.35 % change on previous year (2025)
- Population ages 80 and above, male, per unit of GDP 0 units per US$ of GDP (2025)
- Population ages 80 and above, male, per capita 0.0035 units per person (2025)
- Pertussis - number of reported cases, gaps filled 5,666 (2025)
- Pertussis - number of reported cases, per capita 0.0001 units per person (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is reported cases of measles in South Africa?
- Reported cases of measles in South Africa was 931 Cases in 2024, according to World Health Organization - Global Health Observatory (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest reported cases of measles recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 22,745 Cases in 1992.
- What is the lowest reported cases of measles recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 17 Cases in 2015.
- How does South Africa rank for reported cases of measles?
- South Africa ranks 42nd out of 210 countries with data for 2024.
- Is reported cases of measles rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is up 1,310.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from World Health Organization - Global Health Observatory (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Reported cases of measles. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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