With the detection of mpox cases in Gauteng, the City of Ekurhuleni advised community members to promptly report suspected symptoms.
Those who come into contact with known cases are advised to present themselves at healthcare facilities on time for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
According to the Department of Health, as of July 18, the total number of positive cases has remained at 22 since the beginning of the outbreak of this infectious disease.
ALSO READ: Healthy lifestyle of controlling your blood pressure
This includes 16 recoveries, three deaths and three active cases.
Departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale assured the public that the current outbreak of the mpox disease remains under control.
According to Sandringham-based National Institute for Communicable Diseases of South Africa, mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection which spreads between people, and occasionally from the environment to people, via objects and surfaces that have been touched by a person with mpox.
The disease can cause a painful or itchy rash-like pimples or blisters.
ALSO READ: Young people urged prioritise their health this Youth Month – CoE
The rash can start on the face, inside the mouth and spread to other parts of the body like the hands, feet, chest or genitals.
Like the city, the Department of Health urged people who experience suspected mpox symptoms, with or without international travel history, to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation.
Those who suspect they have mpox should confine themselves to one location and avoid gatherings until their laboratory test results are available.
“We urge all the identified and suspected contacts to co-operate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease,” said Mohale.
“Healthcare workers understand the importance of confidentiality in managing reported and suspected cases of notifiable medical conditions,” Mohale added.
The CoE said health promoters will be used to educate patients at clinic waiting areas about the signs and symptoms of the disease.
