Awaiting trial prisoners being held at Johannesburg Prison will not appear in court this week because of a measles outbreak.

Prisoners at the facility are being quarantined from Monday as the number of measles cases increases.

At least 50 inmates have been diagnosed with measles.

Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula met authorities at the facility on Sunday.

She says they have made key decisions to contain the outbreak.

"In order to control the disease one of the things we have done is to consult with NICF to prevent awaiting trial detainees from appearing in court this week," says Mapisa-Nqakula.