Mpox outbreak remains under control, says Health

The Department of Health has reassured South Africa that the current Monkeypox, or Mpox, disease outbreak remains under control. This is despite several suspected cases reported across the country due to heightened awareness and surveillance activities, the department said on Thursday. The Gauteng Department of Education retracted a statement this morning after it said a case of the infectious disease was reported at a Hammanskraal school in Gauteng. The provincial department admitted that it may have 'acted prematurely' in confirming the case without verification from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and apologised for the confusion. According to the Department of Health, there have been 22 positive cases reported since May of this year. This includes 16 recoveries, three deaths and three active cases. 'Thus, the department would like to urge people who experience suspected Mpox symptoms, with or without international travel history, to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation, confine themselves to one place and avoid gatherings until their laboratory test results are available,' a statement read. The department said suspected cases are treated with confidentiality during contact tracing and case investigation. 'However, the department will always strike a balance between the privacy of individuals and letting them know they may be at risk of infection for the benefit of public health.' The department urged all identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of the preventable and treatable disease. 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 healthcare workers understand the importance of confidentiality in managing reported and suspected cases of notifiable medical conditions.' Source: South African Government News Age ncy