Cape Town — The Department of Health confirmed that the number of active Mpox cases in South Africa has grown to 20, with 15 patients already recovered and showing a clean bill of health.
Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said five people remain hospitalised due to unmanaged or underlying conditions such as HIV. Mohale confirmed that the country recorded four more cases in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), with only one patient readmitted for further attention, IOL reported.
The new cases include a 17-year-old boy from Hillbrow in Johannesburg; a 37-year-old man from Pretoria East; a 29-year-old man from West Rand; and a 19-year-old man from Durban in KZN.
“This brings the total number of positive cases of Mpox in South Africa to 20 and three deaths since the outbreak of the disease in May 2024,” said Mohale, adding that 10 cases were recorded in Gauteng, nine in KZN and one from the Western Cape,” he said.
He said those who have recovered are testimony that Mpox is treatable if diagnosed early and encouraged those who show any symptoms, or who have come in contact with a positive case, to seek urgent healthcare
#MpoxUpdate – Three more cases of Mpox have been confirmed. This brings the total number of positive cases of Mpox in South Africa to 20 and 3 deaths since the outbreak in May 2024. All cases are male aged between 17-43 years old: Gauteng (10), KZN (9) and WC (1). pic.twitter.com/dTUOkkmuXX
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) July 5, 2024
As reported by News24, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is in the process of shipping medication for the treatment of an additional 50 people for mpox locally. WHO’s Joseph Wamala, said the medication to treat Mpox – Tecovirimat – was only available to treat 15 people for a two-week dose.
All doses of Tecovirimat, as well as a vaccine being used in other countries to prevent Mpox, are not registered in South Africa.
Dr. Shanal Nair from the University of Pretoria, said cases have been climbing globally in the Americas and Europe, with nearly 100 000 cases, and over 200 recorded deaths.
Nair said that in South Africa, half of the positive cases were identified as men who have sex with men.
Good morning South Africa.
Here’s how to reduce the risk of getting #MPOX
Remember: #MPOX is preventable and manageable, and treatment for both mild and severe cases is available. Visit your nearest healthcare facility. pic.twitter.com/5mCD5w3SeP
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 5, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
