South Africa has confirmed its second case of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. The 39-year-old man from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, was admitted to Addington Hospital. The patient has no recent travel history to regions currently experiencing Mpox outbreaks, raising concerns about community transmission. The department of health is urging the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit any symptoms associated with Mpox.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the spread of this infectious disease, characterised by painful or itchy rashes, pimples, or blisters.
The health department, in collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal health authorities and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), has initiated extensive contact tracing. This effort aims to identify and monitor individuals who may have been in contact with the patient, thus curbing potential transmission within households and the broader community. This process will also help determine any connection between this case and the first confirmed case in Gauteng earlier this month.
Mpox a global threat
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mpox continues to pose a global health threat. As of March 2024, 466 laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths have been reported across 22 countries. The disease persists in various regions, including Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Western Pacific, and South-East Asia, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo being the most affected in Africa.
Health officials emphasise the importance of combating stigma and discrimination associated with Mpox. Such negative attitudes can hinder public health efforts by deterring individuals from seeking information, testing, or treatment. Communities are urged to support those affected by Mpox and encourage those with symptoms to get screened and tested.
Signs and symptoms
According to WHO, Mpox causes signs and symptoms which usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.
Common symptoms are ash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Getting an Mpox vaccine can help prevent infection, WHO further states. The vaccine should be given within four days of contact with someone who has mpox (or within up to 14 days if there are no symptoms).
Flu season in full swing
Simultaneously, South Africa is in the midst of its annual influenza season, which began in late April 2024. Several flu strains are circulating, potentially leading to severe health complications for some individuals. This situation has been further complicated by the presence of a low-transmissibility Covid-19 variant, leading to some confusion in diagnoses.
The predominant influenza strains this season are A(H1N1)pdm09, commonly known as “swine flu”, followed by influenza B/Victoria and influenza A(H3N2). Since 2010, A(H1N1)pdm09 has been a regular seasonal flu strain. Influenza A virus tends to cause more severe illness in adults.
NICD surveillance data indicates a rapid increase in influenza cases and positivity rates, although the overall transmission and impact remain at moderate levels. During this flu season, approximately 8-10% of pneumonia hospitalisations and 25% of patients with flu-like symptoms (fever and cough) test positive for influenza. Despite the significant presence of the virus, these figures fall within the expected range for a typical influenza season.
Influenza can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, or even death, particularly among high-risk groups. These include pregnant women (and those up to six weeks postpartum), individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease, obesity, the elderly (65 years and older), and children under two years old.
The health department strongly recommends that individuals in high-risk groups receive the influenza vaccine, available for free at public health clinics and for a fee at private healthcare providers and pharmacies. Although the vaccine is ideally administered before the flu season starts, it is still beneficial to get vaccinated now to protect against the circulating strains.
In addition to vaccination, non-pharmaceutical interventions can help reduce the spread of influenza. These include covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ensuring adequate ventilation, and practicing regular handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser.
By remaining informed and taking appropriate precautions, the public can help mitigate the impact of both Mpox and influenza, ensuring a healthier and safer community.
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