MPUMALANGA – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has raised concerns about the province’s preparedness to handle a potential outbreak of the Mpox virus.
In a letter to Health MEC Sasekani Manzini, the DA’s provincial health spokesperson, Bosman Grobler, questioned whether provincial health facilities are adequately equipped to respond to the looming threat.
“With the World Health Organisation declaring Mpox a global health emergency and the virus spreading rapidly across Africa, it is imperative that Mpumalanga be prepared,” Grobler said.
The DA pointed to the recent surge in Mpox cases in South Africa, including three deaths, as evidence of the virus’s increasing prevalence. The party urged the provincial health department to be transparent about Mpox statistics and to implement a proactive response plan.
“We cannot afford to wait for the national government to provide guidance,” Grobler stated. “Mpumalanga needs to take the initiative and develop its own strategies to combat Mpox.”
The DA’s concerns echo those of the national health department, which has been urging the public to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and muscle aches.
In June, MEC Manzini acknowledged the potential threat of Mpox in Mpumalanga, urging residents to exercise caution and seek medical attention if they experienced symptoms. While there were no confirmed cases at the time, she emphasised the importance of hand hygiene and early diagnosis in preventing the virus’s spread.
“Yes, there are no cases of Mpox in the province, and while this is a relief, we would like to urge everyone, regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation, with suspected Mpox symptoms or who had physical contact with known cases, to present themselves to a healthcare facility, because anyone can contract this preventable and treatable disease,” appealed Manzini.
A local Botleng resident, Thandiwe Msibi, expressed her anxiety about the possibility of a Mpox outbreak in Delmas. “I’m really worried about my family’s safety,” she said. “I hope the government is doing everything they can to prevent cases from coming here.”
A Delmas health expert who spoke with the Highveld Chronicle reassured the community that the national health department is working to secure additional treatments and vaccines. “While we are still awaiting the arrival of these resources, we are prepared to manage mild cases with supportive care,” he said. “It’s important to remember that Mpox is generally a mild illness, and most people recover without requiring hospitalisation.”
