Pretoria Boys High vs KES Matches Cancelled Due to Measles Outbreak Among Pupils
Two high school rugby matches scheduled for Saturday, 5 April 2025, between Pretoria Boys High and King Edward VII School (KES) were cancelled after several pupils from both schools tested positive for measles.
The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed the cases on Friday, 4 April, following routine screening after a cluster of febrile illness was reported among boarders at Pretoria Boys High. Initial tests identified measles in three pupils from the school’s boarding house, with subsequent testing revealing two additional cases among KES pupils who had participated in joint training sessions earlier in the week.
Both schools, located in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, are among South Africa’s most prominent private boys’ institutions and traditionally maintain a fierce sporting rivalry, particularly in rugby. The cancelled fixtures were part of the annual inter-school sports programme, which includes rugby, hockey, and cross-country events.
In a joint statement released Saturday morning, the headmasters of Pretoria Boys High and KES confirmed the cancellations were made on public health advice to prevent further transmission. “The health and safety of our pupils, staff, and wider school communities is our absolute priority,” the statement read. “We are working closely with health authorities to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.”
The Gauteng Department of Health activated its outbreak response protocol, isolating affected pupils and initiating contact tracing. Vaccination status is being verified for all close contacts, with unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals advised to quarantine and receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine if eligible. No hospitalisations have been reported among the affected pupils as of 5 April.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets, remains a public health concern in South Africa despite national immunisation efforts. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported a rise in measles cases in Gauteng province during the first quarter of 2025, linked to pockets of low vaccination coverage in certain communities.
Both schools have suspended all non-essential gatherings and restricted access to boarding facilities pending further guidance from health officials. Training sessions and academic activities continue under enhanced hygiene protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing in indoor spaces and increased sanitation measures.
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has not issued a directive regarding school rugby fixtures but advised institutions to follow provincial health department guidance. No other school sports cancellations related to measles have been reported in Gauteng as of 5 April.
Health officials reiterated that measles is preventable through vaccination, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing approximately 97% immunity. Parents are urged to check their children’s vaccination records and consult healthcare providers if uncertain about immunisation status.
As of Saturday afternoon, neither school had announced a rescheduled date for the cancelled rugby fixtures. The Gauteng Department of Health stated it would review the situation daily and advise on the resumption of activities based on transmission risk assessments.