The Department of Health has assured members of the public that the current monkey pox (Mpox) outbreak remains under control in South Africa. The Department said, however, that this does not mean that people should become complacent, as the COVID-19 pandemic proved that viruses are unpredictable as they mutate from time to time.

ON HIGH ALERT

Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said that the country remains on high alert in case of surge in Mpox cases and emergence of new contagious strains. "Members of the public are urged to play their part and support the country's response efforts to prevent the spread of Mpox by maintaining non-pharmaceutical measures, including personal hygiene," Mohale said. He added that the department is considering a number of pharmaceutical interventions, which include additional treatment and vaccines, and the decision will be informed by the epidemiological data at their disposal.

JOINT EFFORT

Mohale clarified that both the declarations by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) do not translate into trade and travel restrictions but serve as a clarion call for member states, including South Africa, to work together to fast-track approval of the Mpox vaccine and treatment while maintaining strict safety protocols. "We need to ensure that these life-saving vaccines reach the most vulnerable populations in order to prevent further spread of this infectious, but treatable disease and the loss of lives. The Department of Health is working with various stakeholders, including the WHO County Office, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, and the Border Management Authority, to intensify epidemiological and surveillance, contact tracing, and health screening activities for case investigation and early detection of new positive cases in the country," he said. Mohale said the total number of positive cases recorded in the country as of Sunday, 18 August 2024, stands at 24, including 3 deaths, 19 recoveries, and two active cases undergoing home isolation. A total of 12 cases were reported in Gauteng, 11 reported in KwaZulu-Natal, and one in the Western Cape.