Healthcare Alerts | Infectious Diseases | Mpox
Health Department calls for calm following WHO's declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency
Time to read: 0 minutes, 53 seconds
Source: National Institute for Communicable Diseases
Type of article: Alert
MedED Catalogue Reference: MAM007
Category: Healthcare Alerts
Category Cross-reference: Infectious Diseases
Keywords: monkeypox, public health
26 August 2024, 10:00
Source: NCID Press release
The Department of Health has advised the public and healthcare providers to remain calm following the WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC, August 14, 2024). The decision to declare a global emergency was made in light of the rapid rise in cases in the DRC and neighbouring countries, coupled with the detection of a virulent new strain of the disease.
As of August 18, 2024, South Africa has reported 24 Mpox cases, including three deaths, 19 recoveries, and two active cases in home isolation. The cases are distributed as follows: Gauteng (12), KwaZulu-Natal (11), and the Western Cape (1).
The Department re-iterated that the declarations from the Africa CDC and WHO do not require trade or travel restrictions. Rather, they aim to encourage collaboration between member states to fast-track Mpox vaccine and treatment approvals and ensure vaccines reach vulnerable populations to prevent further spread.
The Department of Health is working with the WHO Country Office, the NICD, and the Border Management Authority to strengthen epidemiological efforts, contact tracing, and health screening. Additionally, the Department is evaluating new treatments and vaccines based on current data.
Access more articles related to Mpox
14 August 2024 | WHO Issues PHEIC over the rapid spread of Mpox in DRC and neighbouring African countries
8 August 2024 | Two new Mpox cases have been confirmed in SA, as the WHO convenes an emergency meeting to address the rapid rise of cases in the DRC
11 July 2024 | DoH confirms two new cases, bringing the total cases in the latest outbreak to twenty-two
Access all Mpox articles & resources
Access Original Press Release
18 August 2024 | Health Department calls for calm as WHO declares Mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PDF)
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