First Monkeypox case reported in Limpopo, MEC calls for calm

LIMPOPO – The Limpopo MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba has called for calm amidst the confirmation of the first case of Monkeypox in the province.

According to the Limpopo Department of Health (LDH), the case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

The department informed that the case was that of a 42 year-old male tourist from Switzerland who was on holiday in the province.

The LDH further indicated that the case presented with signs and symptoms such as rash, Lymphadenopathy, muscle ache and fatigue.

MEC Ramathuba has called on community members not to panic saying that: “We are calling for calm. We can confirm that the case is an outpatient, currently isolating and requires no admission.”

Ramathuba said the department has already sent officials to follow through the case and that three contacts have already been identified and one of them have developed signs thus far.

The department further wished to encourage all people who interact with a lot of people in their line of work to continue wearing masks even though the COVID-19 protocols have been relaxed.