Cape Town — The Department of Health (DoH) has assured all South Africans that it has the Mpox outbreak under control, amid fears of the virus spreading rapidly.
Last week, Africa’s Centres for Disease Control (CDC) declared Mpox as a public health emergency and said the decision was not a formality, but a call to action to contain and eliminate the threat.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his concern over the outbreak and said it was necessary to increase funding, improve response capabilities, and ensure equitable distribution of vaccines and treatments.
The DoH said it remains on high alert in case of any surge in Mpox cases and the emergence of a new strain and called on citizens to play their part to prevent the spread of the disease, including personal hygiene, SA Gov News reported.
The department said various pharmaceutical measures are being considered, including treatments and vaccines, and will be decided based on epidemiological data.
The department also said the current declarations imposed by the CDC and the World Health Organisation (WHO) will not affect any trade and travel. It encouraged member states to work together to approve a Mpox vaccine and treatment while maintaining safety protocols and ensuring the vaccines reach vulnerable populations to prevent the spread.
The Health Department says the Mpox outbreak in South Africa remains under control. Officials are on high alert for any surges in infections, or the emergence of stronger strains. Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale says so far 24 laboratory cases have been confirmed in… pic.twitter.com/6Ib1UDFMRd
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 18, 2024
“South Africa is also working with various stakeholders, including the WHO County Office, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and Border Management Authority (BMA) to intensify epidemiological and surveillance, contact tracing and health screening activities for case investigation and early detection of new positive cases in the country,” it said.
South Africa currently stands at 24 positive cases recorded, with three deaths and two active cases, while 19 recovered well. The cases were reported mainly in Gauteng and KZN, with one in the Western Cape.
“We encourage businesses and organisations with operations in the affected countries to ensure [they] put measures in place to ensure their employees who regularly travel to and from South Africa, are well informed of Mpox; and are fit to travel,” it said.
The department added that anyone who experiences any Mpox symptoms is encouraged to go to a health facility for testing and remain in quarantine until they receive their test results.
Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands. The rash affects areas such as the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and the groin.
“This is a great concern… We now need to make a huge effort of mobilisation…”@UN SG, @antonioguterres, speaks to @SABCNews on #mpox & the @WHO‘s declaration that its spread in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern👇. https://t.co/IM3oZjQ4Bk pic.twitter.com/PCCARdzQu1
— UNICEF South Africa (@UNICEF_SA) August 19, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
