Botswana’s ministry of health is on high alert, and has announced reactive measures to protect citizens following the declaration of MPox as a Public Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Health minister Dr Edwin Dikoloti announced that currently Botswana has not recorded any case of MPox however, he indicated that the on-going outbreak which has become an international concern has prompted his Ministry to intensify monitoring and screening of Mpox at key entry points, such as borders and airports, and focusing on other higher-risk areas to prevent the spread.
Giving an update on the state of MPox during a press briefing this week, Dikoloti assured the general public that his ministry through the Botswana Public Health Institute (BPHI), has significantly enhanced their epidemiological surveillance systems. Further emphasising that the general infection control that worked during the Covid-19 pandemic is effective in stopping the spread of Mpox.
“The government of Botswana is prepared to test for Mpox as needed. Our laboratory network has been strengthened during Covid to conduct genomic sequencing to add to the global knowledge on the disease,” Dikoloti said.
He further noted that though Mpox is a self-limiting viral infection, there is no cure, however he highlighted that medications to be used for its management are available in various health care facilities throughout the country.
Dikoloti added that the disease, previously known as monkey pox, is a viral zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans, and between humans historically through close contact and affects people of all ages.
He emphasised that symptoms include rash, fever, swollen throat, muscle pain, fatigue and chills, thus encouraging encouraged the general public to report to local health authority if they suspect that they may have the infection similar to those he had mentioned.
Dikoloti further encouraged the general public to regularly wash their hands, isolate themselves when they have symptoms and for as long as advised by the healthcare workers when they have been confirmed to have the disease.
He advised people to always take advice only from authoritative sources like the ministry of health further adding that they should be wary of misinformation which has already started making rounds on social media circles.
