The department clarified that the pupil’s results had not been verified by the NICD and the department of health
The Gauteng department of education caused a stir among parents on Thursday after announcing, and then retracting, a statement confirming the first case of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) at a public school in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.
The department had initially reported that a Grade One pupil from Iketleng Primary School had tested positive for Mpox after her parents informed the school on Tuesday that she had been taken to the hospital on Monday with symptoms.
READ: Health department calls for public to seek testing as additional Mpox cases surface
The department said:
According to information at our disposal, the learner had visited relatives in Boplaas 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.”
Assuring parents of swift action, the department said that, in collaboration with the provincial department of health, it had initiated necessary protocols to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
Retraction and clarification
However, hours later, the department issued a retraction. It clarified that the pupil’s results had not been verified by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the department of health.
The department said in a statement:
We acknowledge that the announcement of any confirmed cases should be made by the NICD and the DoH following thorough testing and verification.
The department apologised for the premature announcement and explained that the initial statement was based on “official correspondence received from the school.”
“However, it appears that we may have acted prematurely in confirming the case without awaiting the final verification from the NICD. We apologise for any confusion or concern this may have caused.
“The GDE is committed to ensuring accurate and verified information is communicated to the public. We are now awaiting the official verification from the NICD and will defer to the department of health for any further announcements on this matter.”
READ: What you need to know about the Mpox outbreak in South Africa
Earlier, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the recent development may cause concern among parents but assured the public that the situation was being handled 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 it. We appeal to all parents and guardians to cooperate with health guidelines and to report any suspected symptoms of monkeypox to healthcare providers promptly. Let us ensure the safety and well-being of our learners and staff,” said Chiloane.
Thapelo Lekabe and Zamokuhle Ndawonde
www.news24.com
