HEALTH Minister Dr Joe Phaahla has announced that the fifth case of Monkeypox was recorded in the country on Wednesday, 17 August.
He said all confirmed cases had been mild, and there was no need to panic.
Phaahla was briefing the media on Friday to give an update on the government’s response to Monkeypox and fight against Covid-19.
He said while there was data of sexual transmission regarding Monkeypox, the virus could also be transmitted through close contact.
He said of the confirmed cases, one was a tourist who had since returned home to Switzerland. The remaining four were of locals, two with a travel history to Europe. He further said there was no need to impose travel bans.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not recommended any travel restrictions, but it is important for people who are travelling to exercise maximum caution.”
He said South Africa did not currently have a vaccine for the virus.
“There are currently three main vaccines in use worldwide for the prevention of Monkeypox. These are ACAM2000, Jynneos also branded as Imvanex in the European Union, and LC16m8. And none are registered in SA.”
Phaahla added that WHO had reported 28 000 cases globally and 11 deaths, but there was no need for mass vaccination.
Regarding Covid-19, he said since the lifting of restrictions, the rate of testing, cases, hospitalisations and deaths had continued to decline.
“Up to two months now, we have not seen any flare-up of Covid-19,” he said.
