The Department of Health is urging South Africans to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they suspect any signs of the mpox virus – also known as monkeypox – after an infections rise in the country.
Since the outbreak in May, the country has recorded sixteen positive cases and three deaths.
Some of the common symptoms of mpox include a rash that may last for two to four weeks, headache, fever, muscle aches, and back pain.
Mia Malan, the founder and editor-in-chief of the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, said Mpox is not an airborne virus.
“You essentially get it from those blisters on someone’s skin. Those blisters contain fluid, and those fluids are loaded with the virus. So, in order to get mpox, you need to get in touch with those blisters.”
She said those vaccinated against smallpox are less likely to contract mpox.
“In South Africa, we vaccinated everyone against smallpox until 1980. So, if you are 45 years or older, you’re likely to have been vaccinated against smallpox, and that vaccine makes you 85% less likely to be infected with the monkeypox virus.”
-EWN
In other news – Former Muvhango actress Phindile Gwala shocks Mzansi
Mzansi was shaken when they saw actress Phindile Gwala among the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party members who were sworn into Parliament on Tuesday, 25 June 2024.
Many were shocked as the actress had not been seen campaigning for the MK or at any of the party’s structures. Some concluded that she was going to be an MK party member of Parliament and even posted about it on social media. Read More
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