Health department calls for vigilance as Monkeypox case detected in Gauteng

CAPE TOWN - Health Minister Joe Phaahla is calling for the public to be on high alert following a reported case of Monkeypox.

A 35-year-old patient from Gauteng tested positive last week.

Mpox is not highly transmissible from person to person.

The symptoms of the virus include a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.

Health Department Spokesperson Foster Mohale said, "The disease is rarely fatal and cases typically resolve within two to four weeks. Most cases do not require hospital treatment. Prevention of infection hinges on the isolation of cases until fully recovered."