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.
