Gauteng’s health department said that it is ready to respond to Mpox, after three cases were confirmed in the province.
The cases were reported by the National Institute For Communicable Diseases (NICD) last Friday, with health officials now strengthening surveillance and response measures across the province.
Mpox vaccines are also available in Gauteng, with 586 doses currently in stock and more to be sourced if needed.
The Gauteng department of health said that outbreak response teams are active across all five health districts, with specialist teams monitoring suspected and confirmed cases.
It added that cases are being monitored daily through the notifiable medical conditions surveillance system, while wastewater surveillance is also being used as an early warning mechanism.
The department said that the 586 vaccine doses are kept in dedicated freezers at regional pharmacies because they require special cold-chain storage and clinics can request doses when there is an identified need.
Gauteng Health Spokesperson Steve Mabona said, “The department is also engaging with the national department of health to ensure that additional vaccine doses can be accessed should the need arise.”
The department is also urging residents to remain vigilant and to recognise the signs and symptoms of Mpox and seek medical care early.
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Mongezi Koko
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