An outbreak of Mpox is causing concern as the number of cases rises, prompting the Department of Health to urge the public to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms.
NICD confirms increasing cases of Mpox
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed a rise in Mpox cases, also known as monkeypox.
The Department of Health reported the second laboratory-confirmed case in South Africa.
The patient, a 39-year-old male from Durban, was admitted to Addington Hospital without any travel history to regions currently experiencing an outbreak.
This case follows the first confirmed case in Gauteng earlier this month.
The Department of Health, in coordination with provincial authorities and the NICD, has initiated contact tracing and case finding to identify and assess individuals who may have been in contact with the infected person.
This is crucial to prevent further transmission of the virus, particularly within households and communities.
The contact tracing efforts also aim to determine if there is any connection between the second case and the initial case in Gauteng.
Globally, Mpox has affected several regions.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there were 466 laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths reported across 22 countries in March 2024.
The most affected areas include the WHO African Region, the European Region, the Region of the Americas, the Western Pacific Region, and the South-East Asia Region.
In the African Region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths.
What you must know about the Mpox outbreak
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which can result in a painful or itchy rash resembling pimples or blisters.
It is crucial for individuals who suspect they might have Mpox to visit their nearest healthcare provider for screening and testing. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent the spread of the disease.
The symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that progresses to lesions, which can form scabs and eventually fall off.
The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. The virus is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials.
Stigma and discrimination associated with Mpox can hinder public health efforts by discouraging people from seeking information, testing, or care.
The Department of Health urges the public to support those affected by Mpox and to combat stigma to ensure effective management of the outbreak.
How deadly is Mpox?
Mpox is generally less severe than smallpox, but it can still lead to significant health complications. The fatality rate varies depending on the strain of the virus and the individual’s health condition.
The current outbreak has seen a low-level transmission but still poses a risk, particularly to those with weakened immune systems.
In South Africa, the recent cases have prompted increased vigilance and public health measures to curb the spread.
The Department of Health and the NICD continue to monitor the situation closely and have implemented measures such as contact tracing and community awareness campaigns.
The public is advised to practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing with soap and water, using hand sanitisers, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
These non-pharmaceutical interventions can help minimise the spread of Mpox and other infectious diseases.