Stock image pixabay
UPDATE: 11.39am The Department of Education in Gauteng has retracted their statement on the Mpox case, pending laboratory test results still outstanding from the NICD
"It has come to our attention that the results concerning the suspected monkeypox case must first be verified by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Department of Health (DOH). We acknowledge that the announcement of any confirmed cases should be made by the NICD and the DOH following thorough testing and verification.
"Our 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" read the statement.
A Grade 1 learner from Iketleng Primary School in Hammanskraal in Gauteng has tested positive for Monkeypox.
Spokesperson for the Department of Education in Gauteng Steve Mabona says the case was reported to the school on Tuesday and is the first recorded case in a public school in the country.
He says the girl was taken to hospital on Monday after displaying symptoms.
The child had visited relatives in Boplaas this past weekend where some of her relatives were displaying symptoms of Mpox.
Mabona says upon returning home, she had itchy sores and her parents took immediate action and reported the incident to the school on Tuesday.
He says the Gauteng Department of Education, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, will immediately initiate all necessary protocols to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
Mpox is a notifiable medical condition because of its significant public health risks. Doctors are required by law to notify these conditions. Reporting protects public health.
— NICD (@nicd_sa) July 15, 2024
Click here for information: https://t.co/DjHrPrLVWz pic.twitter.com/NBQx710igq
The Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) Team will visit the school to provide intense health education and screening.
This is the 23rd case in the country with the death toll standing at three.
The cases have all been reported in KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng.
