South Africa Confirms 5 Cases of Monkeypox

On [Date], South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced the confirmation of five cases of Monkeypox in the country. The cases were identified in patients from four provinces: Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo. Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is typically transmitted through close contact with an infected animal or human. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash. Minister Phaahla emphasized that the cases are being closely monitored and that contact tracing is underway. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has advised healthcare workers to be vigilant for suspected cases and to refer patients for testing. The NICD has also issued guidelines for preventing the spread of Monkeypox, including: * Avoiding contact with infected animals or humans * Washing hands frequently with soap and water * Avoiding sharing personal items, such as towels or bedding * Getting vaccinated against Monkeypox, if available The Minister urged the public to remain calm and to take precautions to protect themselves from infection. He also emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms consistent with Monkeypox. South Africa’s confirmation of Monkeypox cases follows a global outbreak that has affected over 10,000 people in more than 100 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. The South African government is working in collaboration with the WHO and other international partners to contain the outbreak and ensure the health and safety of its citizens.Monkeypox Cases Rise in South Africa

Monkeypox Cases Rise in South Africa

The South African National Department of Health has confirmed five cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) within the past month. Two cases were reported in Gauteng, while three individuals tested positive in KwaZulu-Natal. Africa has emerged as a hotspot for Mpox transmission during the global outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced during a press conference in Pretoria that only one death related to Mpox has been reported in South Africa. “The patient, who died at Tembisa Hospital on June 10th, was one of the two cases in Gauteng. All patients were male, ranging in age from 30 to 39, and had no recent travel history,” stated Phaahla. “This does not indicate local transmission,” he emphasized.South Africa has confirmed five cases of monkeypox, Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced on Thursday. The cases were detected through laboratory testing at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). All five patients are stable and receiving medical care. The minister said the NICD is working with provincial health departments to identify and test suspected cases and to trace contacts. Phaahla called on South Africans to remain calm and to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. He advised people to avoid close contact with anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox, to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth if they have not washed their hands. The minister also said that the NICD is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.