The Health Department has announced the detection of two more laboratory-confirmed mpox cases in Gauteng and KZN.

According to spokesperson Foster Mohale, these recent cases come 26 days after the last mpox cases were reported in South Africa.

“This increases the total number of cases from 22 to 24, with 12 reported in Gauteng, 11 in KZN, and one in the Western Cape,” Mohale stated. He added that the number of deaths linked to the disease remains at three.

“Case 23 is a 36-year-old man from KZN who was admitted to a local public health facility in Durban late in July. He experienced a pox-like rash along with fatigue, muscle pain, and rigor. The patient has no international travel history,” Mohale reported.

“Case 24 is a 20-year-old man from Gauteng who was seen at a private health facility in Johannesburg on August 2. He presented with typical mpox lesions and confirmed that he has a travel history to Peru in South America. It is uncertain if the exposure occurred in Peru or South Africa.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Peru is among the countries with high numbers of positive mpox cases in the Americas.

“Contact tracing and monitoring activities are ongoing in the affected communities in both provinces. The department urges all identified contacts to co-operate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease,” Mohale emphasised.

He added that of the 22 cases recorded between May 8 and July 6, 19 have fully recovered.

“All individuals with suspected symptoms are reminded to visit the nearest healthcare facility immediately for clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options, instead of self-diagnosing and isolating,” Mohale advised.

Meanwhile, the department confirmed the arrival of another batch of Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, donated by the WHO as part of ongoing support for the country’s response efforts to this preventable and manageable disease.