Cape Town – Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, has alerted the public to a confirmed case of monkeypox, or Mpox, in Gauteng province.
The patient, a 35-year-old male, tested positive on May 9, 2024.
Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), presents with rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever, though most recover fully.
Investigations indicate no recent travel history for the patient.
“Both the National and Gauteng Departments of Health have been actively involved and are managing the situation as per protocol and national guidelines. Contact tracing [is] continuing [to identify] any additional linked cases of Mpox in South Africa,” the department of health said.
Mpox outbreaks, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been ongoing since 2023, with variations in virulence and transmission routes.
A new variant, “clade 1b,” raises concerns due to heightened transmissibility, primarily through sexual contact.
Symptoms include fever and flu-like symptoms, with a blister-like rash.
Prevention involves isolating cases until recovery, with low transmission risk to the general population.
The World Health Organisation emphasizes vigilance, contact tracing, and isolation to contain transmission.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
