South Africa has confirmed five cases of MPOX, with one fatality reported. Two cases were identified in Gauteng, while three were reported in KZN.
The deceased individual was from Gauteng, with two remaining hospitalized.
All cases involve males aged between 30-39 and have no travel history, indicating local transmission. The severity of all cases necessitated hospitalization, with one case reporting multiple sexual partners, including females.
Minister of Health Joe Phaahla acknowledges that the disease has primarily spread through male-to-male intercourse, with all cases having underlying health issues.
The Department of Health has obtained Tecovirimat through Section 21 SAPHRA approval on a compassionate use basis for the five known patients with severe disease.
BREAKING: SA has confirmed 5 cases of mpox.
One person has since died from the disease2 cases were in Gauteng
3 in KZNMale who died was in Gauteng
2 remain in hosptial#eNCA #MPox— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) June 12, 2024
Minister of Health admits difficulty in contact tracing due to the nature of transmission being strictly skin-to-skin interaction, coupled with associated stigma. However, efforts are underway to address this challenge.
