NICD: No confirmed cases of monkeypox in SA
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says while there are currently no cases of the rare monkeypox virus in South Africa, the risk of infection is a reality.
The World Health Organisation says there're over 90 confirmed cases across Europe, North America and Australia.
The first case was announced in the UK earlier this month in a patient who'd recently travelled to Nigeria.
Monkeypox symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes and a chickenpox-like rash on the hands and face.
There's no treatment exists, but officials say the symptoms usually clear up after two to four weeks.
READ: Monkeypox: a rare disease with low fatality rates
The NICD says the Covid-19 pandemic's illustrated that outbreaks in another part of the world can fast become a global concern.
It says this is why the risk of importation of monkeypox is a reality.
For now, the WHO hasn't recommended any travel restrictions - and is working with the affected countries to limit transmission.
The NICD says it is equipped to test for the virus.
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