By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla is calling for the public to be on high alert following a reported case of Monkeypox from the Ahmed Kathrada Hospital in Johannesburg.
In a statement on Monday, the department of health said a 35 year-old man tested positive on May 9. The confirmation has prompted a warning for public vigilance from the Phaahla.
“The case was first tested by Lancet Laboratory which was later confirmed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which immediately notified the department,” the department said.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infectious disease in humans caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Although, the virus is not highly transmissible from person-to-person, it has increased in global public health significance and can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale said contact tracing will identify any additional cases of linked Mpox in South Africa.
“Mpox presents with an acute illness characterised by fever and general flu-like symptoms, followed by the eruption of a blister-like rash on the skin.
“Prevention of infection hinges on the isolation of cases until fully recovered. The risk to the general population is considered low, given the low transmissibility of the virus.”
The last reported cases of Mpox in South Africa was in August 2022.
Most cases of mpox do not require hospital treatment. Prevention of infection hinges on the isolation of cases until fully recovered.
“The risk to the population is considered low, given the low transmissibility of the virus.”
The World Health Organisation, however, recommends increasing vigilance for cases, with contact tracing and monitoring of laboratory-confirmed cases. Isolation of confirmed cases allows the prevention of transmission.