Mpox Outbreak Claims First South African Victim

On Monday a 37-year-old Gauteng man succumbed to the Mpox Virus in Tembisa Hospital, Health Minister Joe Phaahla confirmed.

The virus, also known as Monkeypox, has been confirmed in 5 severe cases in men aged between 30 and 39.
Mpox spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. Most cases are mild, but in some cases it can be lethal.

Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles and infected can also develop a rash.

The Health Minister had said that all 5 men had pre-existing immunodeficiencies. Two of the men have been released to go home while the other 2 remain in hospital.

The risk to the general population is considered low, given the low transmissibility of the virus. The last reported cases of Monkeypox in South Africa were in August 2022.

Mr Phaahla said tha South Africa is trying to source the vaccine for Mpox from WHO member countries that currently have stockpiles.