Cape Town - A second case of Monkeypox has been reported in South Africa - the patient this time a 32-year old male from Cape Town.
The Health Ministry has called for vigilance.
“The second patient is a 32-year old male from Cape Town, in the Western Cape Province, who has no travel history, which suggests that there a high possibility of local transmission.
“Although, Monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness, but the situation is slowly evolving with cases being recorded.
“Therefore, Minister Joe Phaahla urges the public to observe good hygiene practices and other preventative measures which proved to be effective against Covid-19 and other infectious diseases in order to prevent the spread of this virus,” the ministry said.
The source and linkage of Monkeypox cases remained under investigation and the Department of Health was working together with the National Institute of Communicable Diseases.
The department constantly assess the risk for local transmission in collaboration with the World Health Organization in line with the International Health Regulations.
“The health officials will continue with contact tracing while closely monitoring the situation and alert clinicians on symptoms to look for, and if clinical picture fits with Monkeypox, they are urged to complete case investigation form and send samples to testing.
“While the World Health Organization has not recommended any travel restrictions, Minister Phaahla says it is important for travellers to endemic countries to alert health officials on the situation to enable them to provide guidance for case detection and management.
“Members of the public who experience symptoms similar to Monkeypox are urged to report to their nearest healthcare or facility for early detection and successful treatment. Port health officials continue with multi-layered screening measures which include visual observation, temperature screening and completion and analysis of travellers’ health questionnaire when entering the country through ports of entry (airports, border gates and sea ports) for early detection and successful treatment.”
Cape Times