There are 1135 confirmed cases of measles in the country, with most reported in Gauteng, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Wednesday.

The majority have been diagnosed in the Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni regions, with smaller numbers reported in all provinces.

In Tshwane the most affected age group is 15 to 19, in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni it is six- to 11-month-old babies.

Five percent of cases have been babies younger than six months.

"The outbreak does not appear to be abating as yet, with over 150 confirmed cases reported last week alone," the NICD said.

Earlier, the department of health, which is running a mass vaccination programme in the affected regions of Gauteng, urged people to have the vaccination, saying stories of reused needles and dangerous vaccines were not true.

The NICD recommended strict adherence to infection control to prevent spread of the disease in the home, hospital or other institutions and facilities.

Measles is infectious for four days before the rash appears, until four days after its appearance.

Patients are advised to stay away from creche, school or work for one week after the onset of the rash.

All close household contacts of the patient should receive a measles vaccination within 72 hours of contact as this might provide some protection against infection.