Fifteen people with Mpox receive clean bill of health

The Department of Health has announced that 15 people who had Mpox have received a clean bill of health, while five remain hospitalised due to severe health complications. 

The complications, the department explained, are compounded by either unmanaged or recently diagnosed underlying conditions such as HIV. 

“Only one case was re-admitted for further medical attention,” the department said in a statement. 

MPOX-LIKE SYMPTOMS

The department believes that the 15 cases are a testimony that the infectious disease is treatable if diagnosed early for effective treatment.

“This is the reason people are urged to seek healthcare once they experience Mpox-like symptoms or come into direct contact with someone who tested positive.” 

The department, working with various stakeholders, continues with efforts to curb the spread and transmission of Mpox in the country. 

On Thursday, the department announced four additional Mpox cases that were reported in the  KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.

The additional cases have pushed the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox in South Africa to 20 since the outbreak in May 2024. 

All the 20 cases involve men, with 10 recorded in Gauteng, nine in KwaZulu-Natal and one from Western Cape. 

DEATH TOLL STANDS AT THREE

Meanwhile, the death toll has remained at three since the outbreak. 

The common symptoms of Mpox include a rash which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands. 

“The rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and so on,” the department explained.