Gauteng health says it is ready for any Mpox eventuality

The Gauteng Department of Health says it is geared up to respond to any Mpox eventuality, following three laboratory-confirmed cases in the province.

The assurance comes after the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported three confirmed cases last week.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said comprehensive measures are in place to manage any eventuality related to the disease.

“The Gauteng Department of Health assures the public about the province’s readiness to respond to Mpox and comprehensive measures in place to manage any eventuality related to the disease,” said department spokesperson Steve Mabona.

Mabona said the department continues to monitor the Mpox situation and is strengthening preparedness measures across the province to ensure that any suspected or confirmed cases are detected early, investigated, and appropriately managed.

According to Mabona, functional Outbreak Response Teams are in place across all five health districts in Gauteng. The teams are supported by provincial leads from Communicable Disease Control, Immunisation, Environmental Health, Infection Prevention and Control, Health Promotion, Communication and other relevant programmes.

The province is also monitoring cases daily through the Notifiable Medical Conditions surveillance system to support early identification, notification, investigation and follow-up of suspected and confirmed cases.

Wastewater surveillance is being used as a complementary early-warning mechanism.

Mabona said the department has contingency plans covering surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, coordination, resource mobilisation and clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

“A provincial risk calendar is also used to identify periods or circumstances of increased transmission risk and to guide facility readiness, surveillance strengthening, and proactive response measures,” Mabona said.

The province is continuously monitoring national and global Mpox trends, including changes in transmission patterns and emerging variants. This, the department says, enables it to strengthen response structures and public health measures where necessary.

On vaccines, Mabona confirmed that Mpox vaccines are available in Gauteng, with a total of 586 doses currently in stock.

He explained that the vaccines are not routinely stored at clinics because they require special cold-chain equipment at approximately -40°C. They are therefore stored in dedicated freezers at regional pharmacies, from where clinics can request them based on identified need.

“The Department is also engaging with the National Department of Health to ensure that additional vaccine doses can be accessed should the need arise,” Mabona said.

The department is also intensifying targeted Mpox awareness, prevention and risk-communication activities across the province. These include community education through clinics, public meetings, multimedia platforms, door-to-door campaigns and community outreach programmes.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, recognise signs and symptoms, and seek healthcare services early.

Mabona said the department is working with community leaders, traditional health practitioners, faith-based organisations, civil society, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to support the distribution of reliable information.

“The GDoH will continue to closely monitor the situation, strengthen preparedness where necessary and ensure that the province is able to detect cases early, contain transmission, and scale up its response should this be required,” Mabona said.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness that spreads through close contact. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.