Port health officials have developed an outbreak preparedness plan at South Africa’s ports of entry to deal with monkeypox (Mpox). This will be implemented at land and sea borders as well as airports.

Mpox is an infectious disease found in West and Central Africa. It is caused by a virus and can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. It is spread by physical contact. Most people fully recover, but some become very ill.

In response to the 13 cases in South Africa that have been confirmed by the National Department of Health, the Border Management Authority (BMA) is implementing screening processes for travellers entering the country.

The Commissioner of South Africa’s Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, has said that the first phase of screening occurs when the conveyance operator (ie the captain of the aircraft and crew members) provides a general declaration of health, declaring that no travellers have reported or were found to be ill on board, in terms of International Health Regulations. 

The second process is thermal screening, which checks passengers’ temperatures. Should the traveller present with an elevated temperature, they will be isolated and assisted with further screening by Port Health.

The BMA Port Health Officer will also conduct their own general and non-invasive observation of the traveller under investigation.

“We are also in close collaboration with the communicable disease facilities in the districts in order to respond swiftly and ensure immediate reporting of any suspected traveller that meets the Mpox disease symptom profile,” said Masiapato.

“At this stage there have been no incidents of Mpox detected in the ports of entry,” he said.

Click here to read the World Health Organisation’s key facts about Mpox.