Health Department calls for calm as WHO declares Mpox a public health emergency of international concern
17 August 2024
The Department of Health would like to assure members of the public that the current mpox outbreak remains under control in the country, however, that does not mean people should become complacent because we have learned from COVID-19 pandemic that viruses are unpredictable as they mutate from time to time.
The country remains on high alert in case of surge in mpox cases and emergence of new contagious strains. Members of the public are urged to play their part and support the country`s response efforts to prevent the spread of mpox by maintaining non-pharmaceutical measures including personal hygiene.
The Department is considering a number of pharmaceutical interventions which include additional treatment and vaccine, and the decision will be informed by the epidemiological data at our disposal.
It is important to clarify that both the declarations by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO do not translate into trade and travel restrictions, but serve as a clarion call for member states including South Africa to work together, fast-track approval of mpox vaccine and treatment while maintaining strict safety protocols, and ensure these life-saving vaccines reach the most vulnerable populations in order to prevent further spread of this infectious, but treatable disease, and the loss of lives.