NICD: No confirmed cases of monkeypox in SA
Updated | By NewsWatch
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says while there are currently no cases of the rare monkeypox virus in South Africa, the risk of infection is a reality.
The World Health Organisation says there're over 90 confirmed cases across Europe, North America, and Australia.
The first case was announced in the UK earlier this month in a patient who'd recently travelled to Nigeria.
Monkeypox symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a chickenpox-like rash on the hands and face.
There's no treatment exists, but officials say the symptoms usually clear up after two to four weeks.
The NICD says the Covid-19 pandemic illustrated that outbreaks in other parts of the world can fast become a global concern.
It says this is why the risk of importation of monkeypox is a reality.
For now, the WHO hasn't recommended any travel restrictions - and is working with the affected countries to limit transmission.
The NICD says it is equipped to test for the virus.
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