Second monkeypox case detected in the Western Cape
The patient has travel history to Spain and returned to South Africa in the second week of August 2022.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was performed in a private pathology laboratory and the samples were submitted to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) for sequencing analysis.
Public-health response measures to prevent the spread of the infection, including contact tracing have been instituted.
The fourth case follows three unlinked laboratory-confirmed monkeypox cases that were reported from Gauteng, Western Cape and Limpopo provinces respectively.
These cases were reported in males aged 30, 32 and 42-years who have since completed a self-isolation and monitoring period without reported further symptoms and health complications.
Minister Phaahla will, on Friday this week provide more details on the government`s response to monkeypox during the planned media briefing.