Some health experts have sought to ease any public panic over the mpox disease — or monkeypox — citing it’s nowhere near COVID-19 levels in terms of how it spreads.
This comes as the country has so far recorded 16 cases and three deaths, with all the victims identified as males between the ages of 23 and 43.
In a statement last week, the Department of Health allayed growing fears of a travel ban over mpox, highlighting there’s been no recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for such a move.
While all recorded mpox cases in South Africa are men, the Department of Health has reiterated that anyone – regardless of age, race, or gender – can contract the disease.
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s evident through a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and a fever.
It’s contracted through direct contact with the liquid-filled blisters that form on the body, including through touch, kissing or sex.
Other ways of catching the disease include contaminated sheets, clothes or needles, so it’s vital to steer clear of direct skin contact with anyone who has the disease.
Health experts have explained that most people recover from the disease. However, others do get significantly sick leading to death sometimes.
“Mpox is a preventable and manageable disease, and treatment for both mild and severe cases is available in the country,” said the Department of Health’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale.
Health experts say mpox symptoms begin within 21 days of exposure to the virus.
Mia Malan from the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism highlighted that mpox was spreading locally and not necessarily from people coming into the country.
She explained how it’s contracted: “It’s spreading without people coming into the country, transmitting it to each other.
“So, the kind of prevention and methods that you look at is communication here for people explaining what mpox is, and getting vaccines into the country – which the Department of Health is working on – and getting treatment for severe cases.”
The WHO has warned that because mpox symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, it’s important to seek medical observation to determine diagnosis.
Malan added that although mpox is treatable, people with other diseases, including diabetes and HIV, need to be more careful.
Mohale echoed the cautionary call.
“We want to remind and appeal [to] all those who experience mpox-like symptoms not to self-diagnose but to present at the nearest healthcare facility for clinical evaluation, screening, and diagnosis.”
The National Department of Health is urging the public to get educated on the mpox virus to minimise the stigma associated with the illness.
-EWN
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