The Department of Health has confirmed three more laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox in the country in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. This brings the number of confirmed cases to 31 with 3 deaths reported between May and September 2024.
The Department of Health has confirmed three more laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox in the country in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. This brings the number of confirmed cases in the country 31 with 3 deaths reported between May and September 2024.
“The newly detected The Department of Health has confirmed three more laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox in the country in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. This brings to 31 the number of confirmed cases in the country, and 3 deaths reported between May and September 2024. cases include a 38-year-old man who presented to the healthcare facility with symptoms of mpox. The other two confirmed mpox are a 14-year-old man and 33-year-old woman who are both contacts of the other patient. None of the patients have recent travel history to countries or regions currently experiencing mpox an outbreak, which suggests there is ongoing local transmission of the virus in the country,” said the department spokesperson, Foster Mohale.
Mohale further said that the latest detections, highlights the necessity of rapid and well-coordinated contact-tracing for early detection and effective management of positive cases. In addition, Mohale said the patients are currently self-isolating and receiving medical treatment, and outbreak response team have been activated in Gauteng, for contact tracing and case investigation in the affected areas. Mpox is typically a mild and self-limiting disease with a low case fatality rate. The risk of wider transmission remains low in South Africa, but anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race. Mohale expressed concern that the patients for another virus.
“Additionally, all three new mpox patients also tested positive for relatively unknown, but common virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). This is a viral infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers which mainly spreads through skin-to-skin contact including kissing and unprotected sex, hence consistent and correct use of condoms remains the best way to prevent genital herpes and other STIs. The virus is generally asymptomatic, treatable, but not curable. The symptoms include a rash which may last for 2-4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands,” explained Mohale.
