Mpox Outbreak: Tips for Healthy Living and Prevention in South Africa - Health

Gauteng and KwaZulu - Natal Report New Mpox Cases

The Department of Health in South Africa has confirmed two new laboratory - confirmed Mpox cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu - Natal . These cases were reported 26 days after the last Mpox cases were detected in the country . The total number of cases has now increased from 22 to 24 , with 12 cases in Gauteng , 11 in KwaZulu - Natal , and one in the Western Cape . Unfortunately , the number of deaths related to the disease remains at three.

Mpox Outbreak: Tips for Healthy Living and Prevention in South Africa

 Contact tracing and monitoring activities are ongoing in the affected communities in both provinces , and the Department urges all the identified contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.

One of the new cases , Case 23 , is a 36 - year - old man from KwaZulu - Natal who exhibited Mpox - like symptoms and was admitted to a local public health facility in Durban . The other case , Case 24 , involves a 20 - year - old man from Gauteng who sought treatment at a private health facility in Johannesburg . Case 24 confirmed having a travel history to Peru but it is unclear where the exposure to the disease occurred.

 According to the World Health Organization multi - country Mpox outbreak , Peru is amongst countries with high numbers of positive cases in the region of the Americas.

Of the 22 cases reported between May and July , 19 patients have fully recovered from Mpox . The Department of Health emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention at the first sign of Mpox symptoms rather than attempting self - diagnosis and isolation.

In response to the ongoing Mpox cases , the Department has received a new batch of Tecovirimat , also known as TPOXX , donated by the World Health Organization to support the country 's efforts in managing this disease . The Department continues to call for public vigilance and cooperation in preventing the spread of Mpox in South Africa.