Mpox cases in SA increase to 25

Another laboratory-confirmed mpox case has been recorded in South Africa, bringing the total number of cases to 25.

PICTURE: NICD

In a statement, the Department of Health said the patient is a 38-year-old man who sought medical intervention at a private medical practice in Cape Town, last week Wednesday, after he experienced typical mpox lesions on the face, trunk, thorax and genitals, and headache, light sensitivity, sore throat and muscle pain.

‘’The patient was not admitted but urged to home-isolate while waiting for test results. The results came back positive on Friday, 6 September. According to investigation report, the patient has no recent international travel history nor contact with a suspected or confirmed mpox case. The outbreak response team in the province has been activated, contact tracing and monitoring activities are ongoing,’’ it said in a statement.

Since the mpox outbreak in May 2024, SA recorded 25 cases, including 3 deaths. Twelve of these were reported in Gauteng, 11 reported in KwaZulu-Natal and now 2 in the Western Cape.

‘’The patient is home isolating and in a stable condition. We urge all the identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease. The healthcare workers understand the importance of confidentiality in managing reported and suspected cases of notifiable medical conditions,’’ the department said.

The Department of Health has called for continued public vigilance

‘’The risk of wider transmission remains low in the country, but anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race. Some of the common symptoms of mpox include a rash which may last for 2–4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes). The painful rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, etc.’’

 

Done by: Stephanie van Rayen