Colourised transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue) cultured in the laboratory. (NIH-NIAID/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
- A Grade 1 pupil from Iketleng Primary School in Hammanskraal was admitted to hospital on Monday.
- She had visited relatives over the weekend where some of them allegedly displayed symptoms of mpox.
- Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane assured the public that they were handling the situation “with the highest level of care”.
The first monkeypox (mpox) case at a school has been reported at Iketleng Primary School in Hammanskraal, outside Pretoria.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said in a statement on Thursday that a Grade 1 girl pupil was diagnosed with mpox after her parents reported to the school on Tuesday that she had been taken to hospital after displaying symptoms.
“According to information at our disposal, the learner had visited relatives this past weekend and, during the visit, it is alleged that some of the relatives were displaying symptoms of mpox.
“Upon returning home, the learner reportedly had itchy sores and was taken to the hospital on Monday, 15 July 2024, where the diagnosis was reported as mpox.”
He said the pupil was receiving medical care and was in isolation along with her family.
“Consistent communication is being kept with the family to provide all the necessary support.”
READ | What you need to know about the Mpox outbreak in South Africa
He added that the department, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, would immediately initiate all necessary protocols to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
“The Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) Team will visit the school to provide intense health education and screening.”
Mpox is a viral infection that is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or through contaminated materials.
He said that while the risk to the broader school community remained low, “we urge parents and guardians to be vigilant and to ensure that children practise good hygiene, including regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who are unwell”.
READ | Mpox cases expected to rise as health department intensifies contact tracing
“We understand that this development may cause concern, but we assure the public that we are handling the situation with the highest level of care.
“The health and safety of our school communities are our top priorities, and we are working diligently with health authorities to manage,” he added.
Up until last Friday, the country recorded 22 mpox cases since the first case was reported in May.
Three people have died of the disease.
Prega Govender
www.news24.com
