GABORONE, May 31 — Botswana has stepped up its surveillance efforts for monkeypox following the discovery of the virus in Central and West African countries as well as some European countries, an official said Monday.
After noting some concerns and anxiety among Batswana following the outbreaks of monkeypox, Christopher Nyanga, the public relations officer in Botswana’s Ministry of Health, said no case has been detected in the southern African country.
“Although these outbreaks, which started in the first weeks of May 2022 in traditionally non-endemic areas, Botswana has so far not recorded any case of the disease,” said Nyanga in a statement.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus and can spread from animals to humans, according to Nyanga.
Nyanga said monkeypox can also be transmitted from one person to another through close physical contact with someone who has symptoms such as rash or through close contact with infected body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding.
Nyanga advised Batswana and all residents of Botswana to remain vigilant and avoid close physical contact with other people, saying those who develop symptoms after travelling to countries with monkeypox cases should visit the nearest local health facility for help. (Xinhua)
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