There are five new laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in South Africa, one has resulted in death.
South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr. Joe Phaahla, confirmed that all cases involve men aged 30 to 39, none of whom have travelled to countries with ongoing outbreaks, indicating local transmission.
“One patient has been discharged, one discharged for home isolation and follow ups being made. Two cases are still admitted in hospital,” he said.
The fatality occurred with one of the two cases reported in Gauteng. The patient, a 37-year-old man, passed away on Monday, 10 June, at Tembisa Hospital. This is South Africa’s first Mpox-related death in the recent outbreak.
“All five cases were classified severe cases as per WHO definition, requiring hospitalisation,” added Phaahla.
The global Mpox outbreak, ongoing since 2022, has affected 117 countries, with 97,208 laboratory-confirmed cases and 186 deaths reported as of 30 April 2024, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The disease, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), spreads through close contact and occasionally from contaminated objects and surfaces.
The distribution of the known existing cases in South Africa is as follows, as per SAPeople:
- Case 1: 8 May 2024, Sedibeng, Gauteng, 35 years old
- Case 2: 21 May 2024, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, 39 years old
- Case 3: 31 May 2024, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, 30 years old
- Case 4: 3 June 2024, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, 33 years old
- Case 5: 7 June 2024, Tembisa, Gauteng, 37 years old
As per Phaahla, the existing cases have presented within key populations, notably between men who have sex with men.
“Thus, the Department is reaching out to organisations working on HIV programmes and with key populations and other stakeholders to implement targeted communication to intensify awareness about the outbreak and local transmission of the disease.”
Currently, there is no registered treatment for Mpox in South Africa. However, the WHO recommends using Tecovirimat (TPOXX) for severe cases.
South Africa has obtained Tecovirimat under a compassionate use basis for the five known patients. Efforts are also underway to secure a stockpile of this treatment for rapid deployment should the situation worsen.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is actively conducting surveillance to identify and monitor contacts. In KwaZulu-Natal, 38 contacts have been identified, including household members, hospital staff, and friends.
CDC / Getty
The symptoms of Mpox (monkeypox)
Mpox symptoms typically begin within a week of exposure and can last 2-4 weeks.
Common symptoms include rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash progresses from flat sores to blisters, which eventually dry up and fall off.
The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, and contact with contaminated materials. Pregnant individuals can also transmit the virus to their unborn babies.
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Feature Image: Getty
