South Africans shouldn't fear travel or lockdown restrictions due to Mpox outbreak - Health Dept

JOHANNESBURG - The Health Department says it's working with other provinces to educate funeral parlours on how to handle the remains of those who died from Mpox. 

This follows the death of another person from the disease, bringing the death toll to three in South Africa.

Laboratory tests confirmed that cases had risen to 16 since the outbreak of the disease in May this year.

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The department said the public should not fear travel or lockdown restrictions as a result because the World Health Organization had not recommended any travel restrictions. 

It has, however, asked travellers from other countries to seek medical care should they experience symptoms such as a rash, muscle aches and fever. 

Spokesperson Foster Mohale: "Mpox is preventable and manageable, and treatment for both mild and severe cases is available. People at high risk include those living with chronic conditions such as HIV, TB and diabetes."