Mpox cases rise to 13 as SA receives first batch of antiviral medication

Cape Town — The Health Department confirms that the number of Mpox cases in South Africa has now risen to 13, despite ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the disease.

The total number of cases has grown from seven to 13, and so far, there have only been cases in three provinces in the country (KZN, Gauteng and the Western Cape). Only two patients have succumbed to their Mpox symptoms.

Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said: “Seven of the cases were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape. Hand hygiene is one of the effective ways to protect people from getting sick and prevent transmission of diseases. Hence, people are reminded to always wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom,” SABC News reported.

BREAKING: #MPox cases increases to 13 in #SA
6 more laboratory-confirmed cases. 7 of the cases were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/xg00hhIbmV

— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) June 20, 2024

According to News24, Mohale reported that the department received its first batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX or ST-246, which will be used for treating patients with severe health complications.

While the medication is not yet registered in South Africa, it is being used under a Section 21 application to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.

“The process to secure more treatment, including vaccines, is under way in case the need arises. However, all mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment used to manage complications like fever, pneumonia and skin infections.” Mohale said.

Mpox symptoms rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands, EWN reported.

The department urges all people regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation with suspected Mpox symptoms who had physical contact with known cases to present themselves at the nearest health facility for clinical evaluation because anyone can contract this preventable and treatable disease.” Mohale said.