CIRCULATING FAKE INFORMATION UNLAWFUL – MINISTRY OF HEALTH

MBABANE – The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to the public, stating that spreading fake information is illegal.

The ministry emphasised that such misinformation could lead to confusion and panic among the public. This warning comes in response to a fake poster, featuring the ministry’s logo, circulating on social media. The poster urges the public to get vaccinated for COVID-19 due to a possible flu outbreak of influenza A and B.In a statement posted on the ministry’s social media page, the ministry cautioned against the unauthorised use of its logo and urged those responsible to stop such unlawful actions.

Fake

The Communications Officer of the Ministry of Health, Nsindiso Tsabedze, confirmed that the circulating poster is fake and not issued by the ministry. Tsabedze sternly warned the public against spreading false information and emphasised that permission from the ministry is required to share such information. He stressed that such actions are unlawful and cause confusion among the public. The ministry advised the public to disregard the poster and asserted that only the ministry and the minister are authorised to issue such information. The ministry had previously communicated its position on the influenza outbreak through a press statement earlier this month. Additionally, the Eswatini Government, through the Ministry of Health, announced being on high alert following reports of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreak.

Reports

The RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat, lungs and breathing passages. This alert follows reports of rising cases of the influenza virus in South Africa. Principal Secretary (PS) Khanya Mabuza of the Ministry of Health urged individuals experiencing symptoms to promptly visit the nearest health facilities, observe hand hygiene, and wear masks at all times, particularly at their workplaces. The PS emphasised the importance of exercising extra caution, especially for those using entry points and informal crossing points. He mentioned that the ministry’s Surveillance Department would monitor health facilities and entry points to make informed decisions.

Mabuza also indicated a possible return to protective measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic and urged the public to be vigilant for symptoms, isolate themselves if diagnosed with the viruses, and assured that the ministry would monitor virus circulation. A statement from the Department of Health in South Africa advised the public to take extra precautions to protect against respiratory infections, which are expected to increase during the winter season. The statement highlighted that RSV is currently at peak circulation in South Africa, influenza virus infections are increasing, and COVID-19 continues to circulate at low levels.

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