Snl24 | Mpox outbreak: Mzansi urged to remain calm!

Subscribers can listen to this article

Public reassured amid Mpox health crisis. Photo by iStock

THE national Department of Health pleads with the public not to panic about the Mpox disease being declared a public health crisis. 

This comes after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on the African continent on Wednesday, 13 August. 

According to Africa CDC general Dr Jean Kaseya, the reason behind this call is to mobilise their resources to act swiftly and decisively. 

“This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities and deliver life-saving interventions where they are needed the most. There’s no need for travel restrictions at this time,” said Kaseya. 

The organisation said Mpox is an illness caused by the Monkeypox virus. Its symptoms include skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes. 

“It can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials or infected animals,” said the organisation. 

ALSO READ: Sihle Zikalala inspects court delays!

Currently, in Mzansi, there are 24 laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths from May 2024, with 12 cases in Gauteng, 11 in KZN, as well as one in the Western Cape.  

All confirmed cases have been men so far. 

Speaking to the SABC, national health department spokesman Foster Mohale said there are limited manufacturers of the life-saving vaccine, citing that the call by Africa CDC is to encourage the manufacturers of the vaccine to produce enough supply so it can be sufficient for the affected countries. 

“During the time of Covid-19, as much as there were limited manufacturers of the Covid-19 vaccine, we experienced vaccine nationalism where bigger countries procured almost everything at the expense of smaller countries, which were hit hard by the virus,” said Mohale. 

He further said the country has no reason to panic because the current situation is under control. 

“We do have Mpox treatment for severe health complications as a result of Mpox,” he said. 

He encouraged everyone who has experienced Mpox-like symptoms not to diagnose themselves but rather visit their nearest healthcare facilities. 

For more news and entertainment in the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link

Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS

For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won’t be billed.

Next on Daily Sun

Angelina prayed and died!

16 Aug

Show Comments ()