On Thursday, 13 June 2024, the Department of Health in South Africa has reported one more laboratory-confirmed case of Mpox, along with the unfortunate news of a second death linked to the disease. This announcement comes shortly after Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, provided an update on the government’s efforts to combat the spread of this infectious illness.

The latest case involves a 38-year-old male patient who was admitted to a local hospital in uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), exhibiting symptoms including extensive lesions, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, oral ulcers, muscle pain, and sore throat. Tragically, the patient passed away in KZN on the same day his test results confirmed Mpox positivity. This brings the total number of positive Mpox cases in the country to six, with two fatalities within five weeks.

The deceased patient, residing in Brakpan, Gauteng, was also living with HIV. Collaborative efforts between the Gauteng and KZN Departments of Health are underway to investigate the case further, with updates to be provided upon conclusion of the investigation.

Sequencing results for the initial three cases identified them as clade II b, consistent with the sub-lineage responsible for a multi-country outbreak that commenced in 2022, affecting over 100 countries. Minister Phaahla emphasizes the critical importance of personal hygiene, timely health facility visits for early diagnosis and treatment, and avoiding close contact with known Mpox cases.

Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is preventable and treatable if detected early. Public awareness campaigns stress the significance of avoiding physical contact with infected individuals, practicing hand hygiene, and observing respiratory etiquette. Those diagnosed are advised to minimize contact with immunocompromised individuals, children, or pregnant women, as they may face heightened risks from Mpox exposure.

Lancet Laboratories and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) provide PCR testing for suspected acute Mpox cases. Vaccination against Mpox is available for individuals at risk, such as close contacts of Mpox cases or those in high-exposure groups, following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. However, mass vaccination is not currently advised.

For communities facing an Mpox outbreak, consulting healthcare providers about available vaccine options is encouraged. While vaccines offer protection against Mpox, adherence to preventive measures and public health protocols remains crucial in combating the spread of this infectious disease.

The Department of Health urges the public to stay informed, remain vigilant, and prioritize safety measures to minimize the impact of Mpox in South Africa.

-The VIP Team

-DoH

-WHO