New Mpox Case and Death Reported in South Africa

In a recent development, the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, disclosed another confirmed case and a fatality associated with Mpox in South Africa. This revelation comes shortly after an update on the government’s preventive measures against this contagious ailment. The latest patient, a 38-year-old man from uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal, exhibited various symptoms characteristic of Mpox and sadly succumbed to the disease on the same day his test results confirmed its presence. This incident raises the total count of individuals diagnosed with Mpox in the country to six, with two fatalities recorded within a five-week period.

The man, who also identified Brakpan, Gauteng, as his residential address, was living with HIV at the time of his diagnosis. Both the Gauteng and KZN Departments of Health are collaborating closely to investigate this case further and are expected to provide additional information once the inquiry is completed.

Health officials outlined the common signs to watch out for, highlighting that Mpox is transmissible through contact with infected individuals. Symptoms generally manifest within a week to 21 days post-exposure and can persist for 2-4 weeks, with longer durations in immunocompromised patients.

Mpox typically presents with symptoms such as fever, muscle discomfort, sore throat, oral ulcers, and lymphadenopathy. The distinct rash associated with the disease emerges as flat sores that progress into blister-filled lesions, potentially causing itching or discomfort. Skin lesions may appear all over the body, including areas like the face, palms, and soles of the feet.

People infected with Mpox are contagious until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to complications from Mpox. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provided insights on the disease progression, stating that the rash typically initiates on the face before spreading across the body. Lesions evolve through stages of macules, papules, vesicles, and pustules, ultimately culminating in crusted areas that heal over time.