Hammanskraal learner tests negative for mpox after GDE follows due diligence
This development follows the Gauteng Department of Education issuing a statement last week to say the learner had tested positive.
FILE: Mpox virus particles, illustration. Picture: SERGII IAREMENKO/SCIENCE PHOTO L / SIA / Science Photo Library via AFP
JOHANNESBURG - A grade one learner from Hammanskraal who was suspected of having mpox has tested negative for the viral disease.
This development follows the Gauteng Department of Education issuing a statement last week to say the learner had tested positive.
ALSO: Gauteng Edu Dept retracts statement confirming monkeypox case at Hammanskraal school
Shortly after the department retracted the statement adding that it may have “acted prematurely” by confirming the case without verification from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
Subsequently, the Department of Health (DoH) collected samples for laboratory testing.
DoH spokesperson Foster Mohale said the situation was under control.
“This does not mean that we are off the hook or should lower our guard, and we cannot guarantee at the current moment that this infectious disease has been eradicated and because it may re-emerge once, severe cases present for a health care facility."
The department says the country has not recorded any new cases of mpox this past week.