Cape Town — The Department of Health has confirmed that the total number of Mpox cases in South Africa has risen to seven, with all patients reported to be living with chronic illnesses.
Earlier this week, the department confirmed it’s first two Mpox deaths, with concerns over containing the spread of the disease. The first six cases were found i n Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal, with the seventh case found in the Western Cape.
The latest case involves a 39-year-old male patient who was admitted on 28 May to a local private health facility in Cape Town. He tested positive for Mpox on Thursday in a private laboratory, SABC News reported.
“Just like case number six, the latest patient listed his residential address as Northcliff, Gauteng. The Department of Health urges all people taking medication for any health condition to adhere to treatment as per guidance of the healthcare provider to minimise the risk of serious health complications in case they contract Mpox and other diseases.” Health department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said.
BREAKING: SA has a 7th #mpox case, a 39-year old male. He was admitted on 28 May at a private health facility in Cape Town and tested + for #mpox on 13 June. His address is lsited as Northcliff, Gauteng. Two people have died so far.
Screen grab = @healthzs press release. pic.twitter.com/QghcV6H4HO— Mia Malan (@miamalan) June 14, 2024
According to The Citizen, the Department said all patients presented chronic illnesses such as HIV, which suggests a high probability of compromised immune systems, unless they adhere to prescribed treatment.
“Treatment adherence can prevent new or worsening health problems, and failure to adhere to your prescriptions can negatively impact the quality of your life,” Mohale said.
The department said it will be receiving tecovirimat, which will help in preventing Mpox-related deaths. It added that it needed to determine the case’s prevalence and provide the public with the knowledge needed to make educated decisions.
“The effectiveness of contract tracing and case finding depends on the cooperation and accuracy of information provided by both confirmed and suspected cases,” Mohale said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
