Department of Health Reports Three New Mpox Cases and One Death Amid Ongoing Efforts to Curb Spread

The Department of Health has announced the confirmation of three additional positive cases of mpox and one related death, underscoring the ongoing challenge of containing this infectious disease within affected communities across the country.

In response to these developments, the Department, in collaboration with provincial health authorities and key stakeholders in the healthcare sector, has intensified its efforts to curb the spread of mpox.

A significant part of these efforts includes comprehensive health education initiatives, particularly aimed at funeral parlours, to ensure they are well-informed on the appropriate handling of human remains of individuals who succumbed to suspected and confirmed mpox cases.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or race.

The Department emphasizes that public awareness and proper handling procedures are crucial in preventing further transmission of the virus.

Health education campaigns have been rolled out nationwide, focusing on prevention strategies, symptom recognition, and the importance of seeking medical attention early.

These campaigns also highlight the role of funeral parlor operators in mitigating the risk of post-mortem transmission of the virus.

(Although the World Health Organization recommended in November 2022 that the disease be called “mpox,” the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses still refers to the underlying pathogen as the “monkeypox” virus.)

South Africa recorded five mpox cases in 2022 and none in 2023, according to the country’s health minister, Joe Phaahla.

The new bout has yielded 13 confirmed cases from early May to June 20, but the actual number of infections is likely much higher.

“We probably have a few hundred cases that we don’t know about,” says Salim Abdool Karim, a Durban-based epidemiologist who played a leading role in the country’s COVID-19 response.

This prediction is safe to assert because none of the current cases have a recent history of travel, meaning that they acquired the virus locally, and do not appear to have infected each other.

The Department of Health has reiterated the importance of adherence to recommended health protocols, including isolation of confirmed cases, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected individuals.

They urge the public to remain vigilant and report any symptoms related to mpox to healthcare providers immediately.

Mpox is characterized by fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash that often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.

Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

Anyone can get mpox. It spreads from contact with infected:

persons, through touch, kissing, or sex

animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them

materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles.

pregnant persons, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby.

*Patients await treatment at Klerksdorp Tshepong public district hospital, in Klerksdorp, in the North West province, South Africa, March 13, 2024. REUTERS/Alet Pretorius*

If you have mpox:

Tell anyone you have been close to recently

Stay at home until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms

Cover lesions and wear a well-fitting mask when around other people

Avoid physical contact

Mpox causes signs and symptoms which usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.

Common symptoms of mpox are:

rash

fever

sore throat

headache

muscle aches

back pain

low energy

swollen lymph nodes

For some people, the first symptom of mpox is a rash, while others may have different symptoms first.

The rash begins as a flat sore which develops into a blister filled with liquid and may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over, and fall off.

Some people may have one or a few skin lesions and others have hundreds or more.

These can appear anywhere on the body such as the:

palms of hands and soles of feet

face, mouth and throat

groin and genital areas

anus

Some people also have painful swelling of their rectum or pain and difficulty when peeing.

People with mpox are infectious and can pass the disease on to others until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed.

Children, pregnant people and people with weak immune systems are at risk for complications from mpox.

Early detection and isolation are critical to controlling outbreaks and preventing further spread within communities.

The latest updates from the Department indicate that all necessary measures are being taken to manage the current cases and prevent new infections.

They have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to address the situation and provide necessary support to the affected individuals and their families.

For more information on mpox, including symptoms, prevention tips, and the latest updates, visit the Department of Health’s official website or contact their helpline.

Community cooperation and adherence to health guidelines remain vital in combating this public health threat.

Stay informed and stay safe as the nation continues to navigate through this challenging period.

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