Confirmed Monkeypox case in Cape Town – no need for panic | Western Cape Government

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Confirmed Monkeypox case in Cape Town – no need for panic

29 June 2022

Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirms a case of Monkeypox which was detected in the Western Cape and confirmed by laboratory testing on 27th June 2022.

Monkeypox is currently monitored by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and local cases are followed up by local contact tracing teams. The linkages and sources of the cases are currently being investigated in association with the NICD and in line with International Health Regulations. 

Local health teams and outbreak teams have been alerted, and are on the look-out to identify cases. Western Cape Government Health and Wellness are prepared and ready to respond to any possible cases. 

Members of the public who experience symptoms similar to Monkeypox are urged to report to their nearest healthcare facility or health worker for diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians are urged to complete the case investigation forms and submit samples for testing. 

The symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, chills and exhaustion. This is followed by skin lesions or a blister-like rash – often on face, feet and/or hands. 

There is no need for public panic, as Monkeypox is not highly contagious or easily transferable – it needs close contact to be transferred. Standard hygiene practices are effective in preventing infection.