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Colourised transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue) cultured in the laboratory. (NIH-NIAID/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The Gauteng Education Department has retracted a statement that a Grade 1 pupil from Iketleng Primary School in Hammanskraal had contracted mpox.The department said the results of the suspected mpox case must first be verified by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the Department of Health first.
It said its initial statement was based on correspondence received from the school. The Gauteng Department of Education has retracted a statement issued earlier on Thursday in which it said that the first mpox case at a school was reported at Iketleng Primary School in Hammanskraal, outside Pretoria.
In the initial statement, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said that a Grade 1 girl pupil was diagnosed with mpox after her parents reported to the school on Tuesday that she had been taken to hospital after displaying symptoms.
“According to information at our disposal, the learner had visited relatives this past weekend and, during the visit, it is alleged that some of the relatives were displaying symptoms of mpox.
“Upon returning home, the learner reportedly had itchy sores and was taken to the hospital on Monday, 15 July 2024, where the diagnosis was reported as mpox.”
He said the pupil was receiving medical care and was in isolation along with her family.
“Consistent communication is being kept with the family to provide all the necessary support.”
He added that the department, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, would immediately initiate all necessary protocols to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
But in a later statement the department said that the results of the suspected mpox case must be verified by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and Department of Health (DoH) first.
READ | What you need to know about the Mpox outbreak in South Africa
“We acknowledge that the announcement of any confirmed cases should be made by the NICD and the DoH following thorough testing and verification.
“Our initial statement was based on official correspondence received from the school. However, it appears that we may have acted prematurely in confirming the case without awaiting the final verification from the NICD. We apologise for any confusion or concern this may have caused,” the statement read.
The department stated that it was committed to ensuring accurate and verified information is communicated to the public.
“We are now awaiting the official verification from the NICD and will refer to the Department of Health for any further announcements on this matter.”
It added that that the health and safety of pupils and staff remained its highest priority and that it would continue to collaborate closely with health authorities to provide accurate information and appropriate guidance. Mpox is a viral infection that is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or through contaminated materials.
Up until last Friday, the country recorded 22 mpox cases since the first case was reported in May.
Three people have died of the disease.
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