The second case of monkeypox in South Africa was identified in a 32-year-old male from Cape Town, as confirmed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
According to Reuters, the infected man has no travel history.
“He reports no recent travel history. Contact tracing has commenced in order to identify any other related cases of monkeypox in South Africa. Isolation of confirmed cases allows for the prevention of transmission and interruption of the cycle of transmission. Currently, it is not known if the first and second cases are linked,” said the NICD, as reported by Eyewitness News.
The first case was identified in Johannesburg last week.
According to eNCA, the Health Department is calling for vigilance and calm after the second case has been recorded as monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.
If anyone is experiencing symptoms, it is important to report them to their nearest healthcare centre. The public is being urged to practice good hygiene and follow other preventative measures.
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Picture: UK Health Security Agency/Science Photo Library