Health Department sounds mpox alarm as SA cases climb

As of Thursday, the country had recorded 18 confirmed Mpox cases and one probable case

3 hours ago

Kayla Shaw 2 minutes read

South Africa is experiencing a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed Mpox cases, with the National Department of Health urging people to remain vigilant and watch for symptoms.

As of Thursday, the country had recorded 18 confirmed Mpox cases and one probable case, with 13 of the cases recorded between August 13 and yesterday, The Witness reports.

The Western Cape has recorded 15 cases, particularly in Cape Town, while three cases have been recorded in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

The affected people range in age from 23 to 50, with a median age of 36.5 years.

National Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said the increase required public co-operation to prevent further transmission.

Watch for symptoms

Mohale urged people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Mpox to monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 21 days.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and a rash or skin lesions.

The lesions can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals or other parts of the body.

They can progress from flat red spots to bumps, fluid-filled blisters, pus-filled bumps and eventually crusted scabs.

People who develop symptoms, particularly after close contact with a confirmed or suspected case, are urged to seek medical attention promptly and avoid close contact with others.

Mpox can spread through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact with rashes or lesions.

It can also be transmitted through contaminated bedding, clothing and towels, as well as prolonged face-to-face contact.

Case linked to Spain

The department is also investigating a recent case involving a person who travelled to Spain earlier this month and returned to South Africa on Monday.

Mohale said the person was tested in Spain after being informed of their probable case status, with South African health authorities in contact with Spanish counterparts regarding the laboratory results.

South African health authorities are in contact with their Spanish counterparts regarding laboratory test results of the individual to confirm his Mpox status.

Mohale also called for support for people diagnosed with or suspected of having Mpox, warning that stigma could discourage people from seeking medical care.

“Individuals and communities are urged to support those diagnosed with Mpox and those suspected of being infected with the virus, because stigma and discrimination have the potential to undermine an outbreak response by deterring people from seeking medical care on time,” he said.

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