DJ Sbu, a prominent media personality and businessman, recently faced criticism from South Africans on social media for allegedly causing undue panic by suggesting the possibility of another lockdown in the country.
Why DJ Sbu is spreading fears of another lockdown in South Africa
In a recent X post, DJ Sbu urged his followers to exercise financial caution and prepare for challenging times ahead, hinting at the likelihood of a second round of lockdowns.
While he cited overseas lockdowns as a reference, he clarified that his message wasn’t an official announcement but rather a precautionary suspicion.
READ MORE – South Africa, Germany sign agreement for vaccines production
“I might be wrong. This is not an official message, I’m suspecting & taking precautions. Just be responsible with your money guys,” he wrote in one post.
Nipha virus prompts lockdown in parts of India
His concerns were not substantiated by concrete evidence but linked to the recent initiation of lockdown measures in parts of India due to the resurgence of the Nipah virus.
Kerala, India, is currently grappling with a severe public health crisis as the Nipah virus has re-emerged, resulting in four reported cases and two tragic fatalities.
According to reports, authorities in Kannur, Wayanad, and Malappuram have raised alarms and designated seven-gram panchayats in the region as containment zones.
Mask-wearing is now mandatory in these areas, extending to local healthcare facilities.
ALSO READ – COVID-19 variant EG.5 Eris is spreading in South Africa: Here’s everything you must know
In response to the outbreak, the District Magistrate of Kozhikode has ordered the immediate closure of educational institutions, Anganwadi centres, banks, and government offices within the affected panchayats.
Only shops selling essential goods and medicines are permitted to operate between 07:00 and 17:00 to ensure the continuity of essential services.
A specialised team from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) has been dispatched to Kerala to investigate the Nipah virus and conduct a comprehensive bat survey at Kozhikode Medical College.
Everything you must know about the Nipah virus
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection primarily transmitted from animals, with a mortality rate ranging from 40 to 70%, making it more lethal than the coronavirus.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a high alert and provided guidance on preventive measures. The virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998 and is typically transmitted through bats and pigs.
Transmission can occur if an infected bat consumes fruit, and a human or animal subsequently consumes the same contaminated fruit or vegetable.
DID YOU KNOW? – South Africa’s drinking water quality has dropped because of defective infrastructure and neglect – new report
Importantly, the Nipah virus can also spread from one infected person to another through saliva, blood, and bodily fluids, making caregivers of infected patients particularly vulnerable.
Early symptoms include fever, headache, and respiratory distress, and vigilance and adherence to safety measures are critical to containing this dangerous outbreak.
Please note that DJ Sbu’s warning of an impending lockdown in South Africa lacks official confirmation, and the situation regarding COVID-19 measures remains subject to government announcements and public health assessments.