Mpox claims another life as total cases climb to 16

Mpox

Cape Town — The Department of Health has confirmed that another patient has died from Mpox, with three more positive cases recorded, bringing the total number to 16.

The department confirmed that a 40-year-old man from Ladysmith in KZN, presented with Mpox-like symptoms, which was never presented in hospital. He had rashes all over his body, IOL reported.

“He passed on at home and the results came back positive for Mpox on June 23, 2024,” said national Department of Health spokesperson, Foster Mohale.

Mohale confirmed that the two other cases were from Gauteng, including a 43-year-old and a 29-year-old man, both diagnosed in respective medical facilities.

“They presented with symptoms indicative of disease and had no international travel history.” he said.

Mohale said this brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox in South Africa to 16 since the outbreak of the disease in May 2024. Eight cases are from KwaZulu-Natal, seven cases are from Gauteng, and one from Western Cape

Mohale said that the department is working with provinces and stakeholders in the sector and has embarked on health education in funeral parlours on how to handle the human remains of those who have passed due to Mpox. He allayed fears of travel concerns.

“The World Health Organization has not recommended any travel restrictions. However, it is important for travellers from Mpox endemic countries to seek health care if they are ill and to alert health officials about their travel for clinical guidance,” he said.

According to SABC News, the risk factor identified among affected males aged between 23 and 43 years is that they are living with underlying conditions.

“What we’ve identified, that is putting most of these at higher risk, is that most of them they are living with other underlying conditions like your HIV, TB and diabetes. So meaning that the immune system is somehow compromised. That’s why some of them, they get hospitalised for a longer time.” he said.

He added that anyone taking treatment for other health conditions need to adhere to treatment to boost their immune system against Mpox or the flu.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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