The department of health has issued a renewed call for public vigilance after two new cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, were confirmed in South Africa, bringing the total number of reported cases to 24. The new cases were identified in the provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, marking 26 days since the last confirmed cases in the country.
Mpox, a contagious disease characterised by symptoms such as rash, fever, and muscle aches, has seen a total of 12 cases in Gauteng, 11 in KwaZulu-Natal, and one in the Western Cape. Fortunately, the number of fatalities linked to the disease remains at three.
The latest cases involve two men with different backgrounds and symptoms. Case 23 is a 36-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal who was admitted to a public health facility in Durban after experiencing a rash, fatigue, muscle pain, and rigor. This patient has no recent history of international travel, suggesting that his exposure may have occurred locally.
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Patient traveled to Peru
Case 24 is a 20-year-old man from Gauteng who sought treatment at a private facility in Johannesburg. He presented with typical mpox lesions and has recently traveled to Peru, a country noted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for having a high number of mpox cases. It remains unclear whether his exposure to the virus happened in Peru or within South Africa.
In response to these developments, the health department is actively conducting contact tracing and monitoring in affected communities. Health officials urge all individuals identified as contacts to cooperate fully during this process to enable effective screening and diagnosis, thereby preventing further transmission of this treatable disease.
The previous 22 cases, reported between 8 May and 6 July, resulted in 19 full recoveries. The health department stresses the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for anyone exhibiting symptoms, such as a rash or fever, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Self-diagnosing and self-isolation are discouraged, as professional evaluation is crucial.
In a positive development, the health department has confirmed the arrival of an additional supply of Tecovirimat (TPOXX), donated by the WHO to support South Africa’s efforts to manage and treat mpox effectively. This medication is part of the broader strategy to contain the outbreak and ensure that those affected receive the care they need.
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