Health dept urges for calm amid disease outbreak concerns in Pretoria North
Around 30 people were treated at the Jack Hindon Clinic for Staphylococcus. The department however said there was no evidence of a widespread outbreak.
The Department of Health has addressed rising public concerns regarding an alleged disease outbreak in Pretoria North.
It has urged the public to remain calm amid fears that maggots and staphylococcus infection were spreading in local clinics.
Freedom Front Plus councillor, Rina Marx previously warned that there is a possible outbreak of Staphylococcus after around 30 people were treated for it at the Jack Hindon Clinic.
The department’s Public Health Directorate and Tshwane District Health Services conducted thorough investigations and confirmed no evidence of a widespread outbreak.
Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said five patients were admitted to Odi District Hospital with suspected myiasis, a condition caused by maggot infestations.
Modiba said out of the five patients, three were clinically diagnosed with myiasis.
“The remaining two suspects were found to have unrelated abscesses and were transferred to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital for further care.
“All three myiasis patients were treated and discharged on the same day,” said Modiba.
The department clarified that myiasis is not an infectious disease and does not spread from person to person.
Modiba said the condition typically occurs when flies lay eggs on damp clothing, bedding or unsanitary surfaces.
“These eggs hatch into maggots, which then burrow into the skin and cause a boil-like lesion.
“Common symptoms include painful, swollen lumps in the skin, a small hole with visible maggot movement, itching or a sensation of something moving under the skin, and discharge from the wound in some cases.”
Modiba said the news of the staphylococcus infection outbreak was found to be false.
“A single patient with chronic wounds was seen at Jack Hindon Clinic. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of a staph infection, and the patient was referred to the Tshwane District Hospital for further management.
“There is no increase in staph infections that would indicate an outbreak.”
Staphylococcus bacteria are commonly found on human skin and are generally harmless unless they enter the body through a wound or cut.
The department urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, which can cause unnecessary panic.
Residents were encouraged to seek medical attention if they experienced symptoms.
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