ON HIGH ALERT: Health Ministry advises and warns Batswana
The Ministry of Health is on high alert regarding the outbreak of the Monkey pox virus that has been detected in Central and West Africa and some European countries.
Speaking to The Midweek Sun on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Dr Christopher Nyanga said they are closely monitoring developments as they unfold.
So far, they have gathered that the virus can spread from animals to humans.
It can also be transmitted from one person to another through close physical contact with someone who has symptoms such as rash, or through close contact with infected body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding. Fortunately, Botswana has no case of Monkey pox. However, the ministry is already working on a preparedness plan which includes ensuring that they detect the disease and quarantine suspected cases, isolate, and treat cases if confirmed. “The ministry advises all Batswana and residents of this country to avoid close physical contact with people who have suspected or confirmed monkey pox and use disposable gloves when handling their bedding or clothes. “Those who develop symptoms post travel from countries with Monkey pox cases should visit the local health facility for review and to regularly clean hands with soap and water or sanitiser and wear masks around those with respiratory symptoms,” Nyanga advised. He added that symptoms include skin rash with either swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle ache, weakness or back pain. Although not a deadly disease, if not attended, the disease can lead to multiple health complications, including death. The ministry advises Batswana not to panic, but remain vigilant. He said that Botswana will work with other countries and multilateral institutions like the World
Health Organisation (WHO), to control the spread of the disease. According to information shared by WHO, recorded cases have mainly, but not exclusively, been identified among men who have sex with men (MSM) seeking care in primary care and sexual health clinics.
WHO says the situation is evolving and they expect that there will be more cases of Monkeypox identified as surveillance expands to other countries. As of this past Sunday, there were 92 confirmed and 28 suspected cases of Monkeypox. Countries most affected included Spain, Portugal and United Kingdom with 21 to 30 confirmed cases.