Cape Town – The Department of Health has urged individuals with suspected mpox symptoms to seek screening and testing for early diagnosis and treatment, following the country’s second confirmed case.
The new case involves a 39-year-old male in Durban with no travel history.
Contact tracing and case finding efforts are underway to prevent further transmission.
The first case was recorded in Gauteng earlier this month.
Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, can lead to painful rashes and fever.
The WHO reported 466 global cases and three deaths in March 2024, with significant transmission in Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Western Pacific, and South-East Asia.
“In the African region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reports the highest number of confirmed positive cases, which represents just over a tenth of the suspected clinically compatible cases and deaths reported,” the department said.
The Health Department also highlighted the ongoing influenza season in South Africa, which began in late April 2024, with multiple flu strains causing severe complications.
High-risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated, and preventive measures such as covering the mouth and regular hand washing are advised.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
