SA tightens border controls due to Mpox surge
BMA has announced stringent measures at all ports of entry in response to the recent increase in Mpox cases in South Africa.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced stringent measures at all ports of entry in response to the recent increase in Mpox cases in South Africa. This initiative aims to curb the spread of the disease, which has already resulted in two deaths and 13 confirmed cases, primarily in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
ENHANCED HEALTH SCREENINGS AND ISOLATION FACILITIES
To bolster the nation’s defences, the BMA has deployed additional health officers to key points of entry. Mmemme Mogotsi, a spokesperson for the authority, outlined the steps being taken to detect and manage potential Mpox cases.
“We are steady in terms of checking temperatures. We have to win travellers at the ports of entry to check whether they have elevated temperatures or not,” Mogotsi stated.
She emphasised that systems are in place to screen for symptoms beyond fever.
“This is specifically for people that are coming in. The guidance is given by the Department of Health in terms of how we deal with outgoing passengers and incoming passengers,” she explained.
To support these efforts, designated isolation rooms have been established for individuals displaying symptoms, ensuring they receive immediate attention and reducing the risk of transmission.
FIRST BATCH OF MPOX-SPECIFIC TREATMENT ARRIVES
In a significant development, the Department of Health has received its first shipment of Tecovirimat (TPOXX or ST-246), a treatment specifically for Mpox. This medication is reserved for patients with severe health complications due to the disease. For those with milder symptoms, the department will continue to provide supportive care to manage complications such as fever, pneumonia, and skin infections.
The department reiterated that Mpox, though potentially serious, is preventable and treatable.
“Mpox is a preventable and treatable disease that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation,” a department representative noted.
People exhibiting symptoms or who have had contact with confirmed cases are encouraged to seek clinical evaluation at healthcare facilities.
EMPHASIS ON HYGIENE AND SYMPTOM AWARENESS
Preventive measures remain a cornerstone of the strategy to combat Mpox. The Department of Health has underscored the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the disease’s spread.
“People are advised to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching their face and after using the bathroom,” the department advised.
The public is also urged to be vigilant for common Mpox symptoms, which include a painful rash resembling blisters or sores, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
“The painful rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and groin,” the department elaborated.