Cape Town — The Health Department said it was continuing to monitor the surveillance of the Mpox outbreak as South Africa now has seven active cases.
South Africa’s seventh case was reported on Saturday when a 39-year-old patient from the Western Cape was reported to have Mpox. The department found that all seven of South Africa’s Mpox patients had chronic illnesses.
The department is continuing surveillance, contact tracing and all health education activities in an effort to prevent the disease from spreading and health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, gave an update on X
“We’ve noted that almost all cases or patients are living with chronic illnesses such as HIV and this suggests a higher probability of immuno-compromised unless the patients are adhering to prescribed treatment.” Mohale said.
Foster Mohale, National Department of Health (South Africa) Spokesperson, gives an update on the MPox outbreak. pic.twitter.com/IsmkdHBERl
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) June 17, 2024
According to Algoa FM, Minster of Health, Joe Phaahla, said the department is looking to get vaccines with help from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
He said vaccines will be sourced from other African countries that have extra stock and the first recipients of the vaccine will be sex workers, men who have sex with men and laboratory and health workers.
#SA has now confirmed its 7th laboratory case of the #mpox disease Please see this Mpox Info Sheet https://t.co/BMRG97qreW developed for clinicians Early diagnosis and effective treatment are vital to curbing – spread of the disease @Health_ZA @MSF_southafrica @nicd_sa @USAID pic.twitter.com/YreYp9EImM
— Southern African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHCS) (@SAHIVSoc) June 18, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
