The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has dismissed as false social media claims alleging that there are two Ebola cases in the province.
The department said a voice note circulating online, which claims cases had been identified at King Edward and Ladysmith, is fake news.
It stressed that there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola in KwaZulu-Natal or anywhere else in South Africa.
The department condemned the spread of the misinformation, describing it as reckless, irresponsible and dangerous because it creates unnecessary panic among the public. It warned that legal action could be taken against anyone found to have originated or deliberately spread the false claims.
Health authorities said South Africa has robust disease surveillance and outbreak response systems in place, with ports of entry monitored and health facilities prepared to identify and manage potential infectious disease threats.
The department urged the public not to share or forward unverified information from unknown sources and encouraged residents to rely only on official Department of Health communication channels for updates on public health matters.
For public awareness, the department said Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness that spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or tissues of infected people or animals. It is not airborne and is not spread through casual contact.
Common symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding or bruising. Symptoms typically develop between two and 21 days after exposure.
The department reiterated that South Africa remains Ebola-free and that none of these symptoms have been reported in connection with any patient in the country.
IOL
