MINISTER of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla has announced another laboratory-confirmed case of mpox and a second death linked to the disease, just less than 24 hours after he provided an update on the government`s efforts to curb the spread of this infectious disease.

Last week, two more positive cases of mpox (monkeypox) were confirmed at Addington and St Augustine hospitals in Durban, with the health department confirming that those previously infected were in contact with each other in KwaZulu-Natal.

This brings the total number of positive cases in the country from five to six and two deaths within a period of five weeks.

Also read: Country’s second monkeypox case confirmed in Durban

The latest case/patient is a 38-year-old male patient who was admitted at a local hospital in uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and tested positive for mpox on Wednesday (June 12) after presenting with extensive lesions, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, oral ulcers, muscle pain and a sore throat.

According to a statement released by the Department of Health, the patient, unfortunately, died in KZN on the same day his test results came back positive.

“The patient was living with HIV, and he listed his residential address as Brakpan, Gauteng. The department is working closely with both Gauteng and KZN Departments of Health to investigate the case. Further updates and reports will be provided once the investigation has been concluded,” said the Department of Health.

The department said that the first three cases were sequence-typed as Clade ll b, the same sub-lineage responsible for the multi-country outbreak that began in 2022 and has since spread to over 100 countries.

Minister Phaahla reiterated the importance of personal hygiene, and in the case of suspected symptoms and close physical contact with a known case, you should present yourself promptly at a health facility for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Also read: BREAKING: Mayor Kaunda axed by the ANC

“Mpox is a preventable and treatable disease if diagnosed early. People are urged to avoid physical contact with someone who has mpox and to practise hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Diagnosed cases/patients should, where possible, avoid contact with immuno-compromised people, children or pregnant women who may be at higher risk of severe symptoms if exposed,” said the Department.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.