30 May 2022

Botswana has so far not recorded any case of monkeypox disease.

 In a media release issued yesterday, Ministry of Health says despite there being no detected cases in Botswana, it has expanded its surveillance efforts.

Noting some concerns and anxiety following outbreaks of the disease in countries that normally do not have cases, the ministry assures the public that the situation in the country is under control.

It says the outbreaks started in the first week of May  in traditionally non-endemic areas. and currently, some countries, especially in Central and West Africa, have recorded high cases of the disease.

Some European countries have also experienced outbreaks, says the release.

The ministry explains that  monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus which 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 a rash or through infected body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding.

Common symptoms include skin rash with one or more of the following: fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle ache, weakness and back pain.

Although mostly not deadly, sometimes if not attended, the disease can lead to multiple health complications, including death.

The ministry advises all to remain vigilant and to avoid close physical contact with other people.

All those who develop symptoms post travel to countries with monkeypox cases should visit the nearest local health facility for review, the release further advises.

The statement says alongside other countries and multilateral organisations such as WHO, Botswana will do all that can be done to prevent the spread of the disease into the country and globally. BOPA