Increase in mpox cases reported in South Africa

South Africa has confirmed another laboratory case of mpox, bringing the total number of cases to 25.

The Department of Health made the announcement on Monday, stating that the new case involves a 38-year-old man from Cape Town. This individual exhibited typical symptoms of mpox, including a headache, mpox lesions on his face, sore throat, muscle pain, and light sensitivity. Fortunately, the man is stable and currently isolating at home.

No recent travel or contact with Mpox cases

According to Foster Mohale from the Department of Health, the patient has no recent international travel history or known contact with a suspected or confirmed mpox case.

“The man sought medical intervention at a private practice in Cape Town and was urged to isolate while awaiting test results. His results came back positive on Friday, 6 September,” Mohale said.

The Mpox outbreak response team in the Western Cape has been activated and contact tracing and monitoring efforts are underway.

Mohale added, “This brings the total number of cases in the country to 25, including three deaths. Twelve cases have been recorded in Gauteng, eleven in KwaZulu-Natal, and now two in the Western Cape.”

Precautions and vulnerability

The Department of Health continues to stress the importance of precautions, particularly for those at high risk. Last month, the department urged businesses and organisations with ties to affected countries to ensure that employees who regularly travel are well informed about mpox.

“We encourage businesses to ensure their employees are fit to travel,” the department stated.

The department also reminded the public that mpox symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen glands, and low energy. The rash, lasting up to four weeks, may appear as blisters or sores, affecting the face, hands, feet, and groin. Travellers experiencing these symptoms should delay their travel and seek medical care to prevent cross-border transmission.

Though anyone can contract mpox, the department noted that people living with HIV, men who have sex with men, and individuals with chronic conditions such as tuberculosis and diabetes are particularly vulnerable.

“We urge everyone with mpox symptoms, regardless of travel history, to seek medical attention,” the department added.