Monkeypox case detected in South Africa

The Ministry of Health has noted the confirmation of a Monkeypox case in South Africa, by the South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). The institute reported that the case involves a 30-year-old male residing in the Gauteng province, with no recent travel history. To date, Botswana has not recorded any confirmed case of Monkeypox.

The ministry wishes to inform Batswana and residents of this country that it has heightened its surveillance and response mechanisms across the country. Its surveillance and response teams are undertaking a range of preparedness and response planning activities to ensure optimal response, should the need arise.

The ministry therefore, implores the public to be vigilant and to visit the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms like unexplained skin rash with one or more of the following: fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle ache, weakness, and back pain.

As a reminder, Monkeypox is a disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. It can spread from infected animals such as rodents and monkeys to humans. It is transmitted from person to person through close contact with infected respiratory droplets, skin lesions or contaminated objects. Contact often occurs during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling or sexual intercourse.
The Ministry wishes to advise Batswana and all residents to remain calm, as the situation is being monitored.