South Africa Records Two More Cases of Monkeypox

By: Thandeka Kosa, South Africa

With the heightened public awareness and intensive contact tracing efforts to control the spread of the monkeypox disease, or mpox, South Africa has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed cases this week (8th to 12th July 2024).

As stated by SAnews.gov.za, the total number of infections recorded since the first case was reported in May 2024 were 22, while the death toll remains at three.

According to the Department of Health and data published on the government website (gov.co.za), available scientific data suggests that the disease is transmitted from person to person within the borders of the country.

Some of the common symptoms of mpox include, but are not limited to: rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.

Meanwhile, contact tracing and monitoring are ongoing in both provinces (Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal), especially among the close contacts of the patients.

The latest case involves a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed at a private health facility in Durban, KZN, on 6th July 2024.

“The patient is from Johannesburg, Gauteng, but travelled to Durban, KZN, where an mpox-like rash developed.” The department explained.

Thereafter, another case involved a 26-year-old man from Nquthu in KZN who presented with a mpox-like rash at a local hospital.

The department is urging people who experience any of the mpox symptoms, with or without an international travel history, to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation and confine themselves to one place until their test results are available.

“We urge all the identified and suspected 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.” Concluded the government.