A combined team from the World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva and their counterparts from regional offices in Southern African Development Community (SADC) visited the Northern Cape province Department of Health to assess the public health risks for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and provide support for the ongoing Rift Valley fever outbreak.
The core function of global alert and response team is to support member states, of which South Africa is one for the implementation of epidemic preparedness and response plans in the context of the International Health Regulation (IHR) 2007.
When new diseases develop and begin to spread, the threats they pose transcend national boundaries and require a coordinated, worldwide response. The province had been experiencing the Rift Valley fever outbreak since March 2010.
To date, 65 cases and eight deaths had been reported. Most of the cases had contact with animals or animal products like drinking raw milk of infected animals.
The team visited abattoirs, clinics and talked to various professionals in Departments of Health and Agriculture. The team met and debriefed the MEC for Health. The outbreak does not pose any risks for the sporting event.
Enquiries:
Andrid F Scholtz
Tel: 053 830 2000
Cell: 082 4479 696
Fax: 053 833 1925
E-mail: ascholtz@ncpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Northern Cape Provincial Government
21 May 2010
Source: Northern Cape Provincial Government
(http://www.northern-cape.gov.za/)
