NATIONAL NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness in a statement on Wednesday 29 June said there is no need to panic following confirmation of a case of Monkeypox in Cape Town. Laboratory testing on 27 June confirmed the diagnosis.
The department said local health teams and outbreak teams have been alerted, and are on the look-out to identify cases.
The department is prepared and ready to respond to any possible cases.
Monkeypox is currently monitored by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and local cases are followed up by local contact tracing teams.
The linkages and sources of the cases are currently being investigated in association with the NICD and in line with international health regulations.
Members of the public who experience symptoms similar to Monkeypox are urged to report to their nearest healthcare facility or health worker for diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians are urged to complete the case investigation forms and submit samples for testing.
The symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, chills and exhaustion. This is followed by skin lesions or a blister-like rash – often on face, feet and/or hands.
There is no need for public panic, as Monkeypox is not highly contagious or easily transferable – it needs close contact to be transferred. Standard hygiene practices are effective in preventing infection.
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