Gauteng Edu Dept retracts statement confirming monkeypox case at Hammanskraal school
The department admitted that it may have 'acted prematurely' in confirming the case without verification from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
Mpox (previously monkeypox) virus particles, illustration. Picture: Science Photo Library via AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Education has now retracted its statement confirming the first monkey pox case at one of its schools.
On Thursday, the department issued a statement saying a grade one learner tested positive for mpox at a school in Hammanskraal.
The department admitted that it may have “acted prematurely” in confirming the case without verification from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
It further apologised for any confusion or concern this may have caused.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona: "The GDE is committed to ensuring accurate and verified information is communicated to the public. We are now awaiting the official verification from the NICD and will defer to the Department of Health for any further announcements on this matter."
Since the outbreak of mpox in the country in May - 22 cases have been confirmed by the NICD and three people have died from the disease thus far.