Tshwane urges locals to seek medical attention if they suspect mpox

The Tshwane health department is urging locals to take immediate action to prevent the spread of mpox after 20 infections nationally and 10 in Gauteng were confirmed.

Tshwane metro MMC of Health Rina Marx said there three infections have been confirmed in Pretoria and this is worrisome to the department.

She said all Tshwane patients had no recorded travel history.

“The pronouncement by the national Department of Health of an outbreak of mpox in South Africa remains in effect as there are 20 confirmed cases nationally and 10 in Gauteng,” she said.

Marx said that given the severity of mpox, residents who suspect they have contracted the virus should immediately report to healthcare facilities.

She added that healthcare workers are required to report all suspected and confirmed cases of mpox.

“Outbreak response teams are responsible for contact-tracing in the event of a suspected or confirmed case,” said Marx.

“Contact tracing is an important surveillance tool and involves the process of identifying, assessing and managing people who have been exposed to someone who has been infected.”

She said the reason behind contact-tracing is to stop the transmission of the virus through identifying potential new patients before they infect others.

Marx added that contact-tracing can help with the early detection of an infected person.

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She further said it can also assist in the early provision of medical care and the necessary support.

“The department would like to remind all communities that mpox is caused by a virus transmitted from an infected person to another,” she said.

She added that it can spread through close contact with lesions, sexual contact, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials (linen, needles or clothes).

Marx said symptoms can include skin rashes or lesions, fever, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.

She said symptoms often appear flu-like.

“Laboratory tests are used to confirm a mpox infection,” said Marx.

“All population groups can be affected but health authorities consider some to be at a higher risk.”

She added that this includes people who are immuno-compromised and key population groups.

Marx urged locals to consult with a healthcare practitioner if they show symptoms.

“Mpox is preventable and treatable,” she concluded.

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