South African health authorities sent shockwaves across the country when it was confirmed that the first case of monkeypox has been detected in South Africa.
Monkeypox in South Africa: What we know about patient zero
In a statement, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) revealed that the first known patient to test positive for monkeypox is a 30-year-old male from Gauteng.
A trace effort is currently underway to determine if the unidentified male had any close and intimate contact with other persons recently.
Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, who, on Wednesday, repealed the face mask mandate and other COVID-19 regulations, confirmed that as things stand, the risk to the general population is considered to be low.
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According to the latest data on the global spread of monkeypox, more than 3 000 cases have been recorded in several Western countries, including:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- Morocco; and
- United Arab Emirates, among others
“This is the first multi-country outbreak of monkeypox and is already the largest outbreak of monkeypox recorded. The cases to date mostly involve individuals that self-identify as men having sex with men. Risk factors include reporting multiple sexual partners. Recent large social events are thought to have served as super spreader events,” the NICD noted.
Monkeypox is considered a low-transmission virus that spreads through intimate and close person-to-person contact, like kissing, cuddling and sexual intercourse.
“The virus is not highly transmissible and close physical contact is required for transmission. It does not spread similarly to influenza or the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” the NICD added.
Commons symptoms of monkeypox include:
- fever
- headaches
- high temperatures
- blister-like rash around private parts and other extremities
Generally, monkeypox is not fatal and treatment can take up to four weeks in complete isolation.
A case of #monkeypox has been identified in South Africa. The case involves a 30-year-old male residing in the Gauteng province. Monkeypox is rarely fatal. Severe cases may occur in children, pregnant woman and in individuals that are immunocompromised https://t.co/dJ2j2aBGe1 pic.twitter.com/G9XPk0RBgI
— NICD (@nicd_sa) June 23, 2022
