The recent Mpox outbreak has spread to new countries, raising concerns of a potential pandemic as health authorities struggle to contain the virus.
Story Summary:
- The Philippines reports its first mpox case since December 2023.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a global public health emergency.
- South Africa confirms three additional cases, bringing the total to 24.
Mpox outbreak: New countries report cases
The Mpox outbreak continues to spread, with the Philippines recently reporting its first case since December 2023.
According to reports, a 33-year-old man from Manila was diagnosed with the virus, marking a significant development as he had no history of international travel.
This suggests that the virus is now circulating within the Philippines.
The country’s health secretary Teddy Herbosa warned that “the Mpox virus is among us,” urging heightened vigilance as the virus appears to spread more easily through close contact.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), last week, declared the Mpox outbreak a global public health emergency, following the detection of the virus in new countries outside of Africa.
On Thursday, 15 August 2024, Sweden reported its first case of Mpox clade I, a more dangerous variant of the virus, marking the first known case of this variant outside Africa.
According to the WHO’s latest report, new cases of the virus have been confirmed in 116 countries, with over 99 000 laboratory-confirmed cases globally.
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials.
The virus is known for its long incubation period and symptoms such as fever, headaches, and a blister-like rash.
While there are two vaccines currently available, WHO is fast-tracking the emergency use listing (EUL) process to ensure global vaccine availability, particularly in lower-income countries.
Mpox outbreak situation report for South Africa
South Africa continues to grapple with the Mpox outbreak, reporting three more cases and one death in recent weeks.
The Department of Health confirmed that these latest cases bring the country’s total number of confirmed Mpox infections to 24.
The new cases include a 40-year-old man from Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal who died at home before his diagnosis was confirmed and two men from Gauteng who are currently receiving treatment.
Gauteng remains the most affected province, with 12 confirmed cases, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 11 cases, and the Western Cape with one case.
The Department of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit Mpox-like symptoms, emphasising that early detection is crucial in preventing the further spread of the virus.
Despite the rising number of cases, the WHO has not recommended any travel restrictions or lockdowns at this stage.
However, travellers from Mpox-endemic regions are advised to seek healthcare if they fall ill and to inform health officials of their travel history.
