Daijiworld Media Network - Johannesburg

Johannesburg, Mar 1: South Africa’s National Department of Health has raised an alert following the confirmation of three new cases of monkeypox (also known as mpox) in Gauteng Province. These are the first cases of the virus reported in the country this year, marking a concerning resurgence since the last recorded case in September 2024.

Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the Department of Health, confirmed that the new cases involve a 30-year-old male diagnosed with the Clade I variant of the virus, which is currently circulating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This patient had recently traveled to Uganda. The other two patients, a 27-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, were diagnosed following a contact-tracing investigation by the outbreak monitoring team.

As of now, South Africa's cumulative mpox cases have increased to 28, including three fatalities, since the outbreak began in May of last year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, urging for coordinated global action to halt the spread of the virus and protect public health.

The South African health authorities are urging individuals who show symptoms of mpox—such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue—to seek medical attention promptly.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a contagious disease that primarily spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin or mouth-to-mouth interactions with infected individuals. Symptoms typically appear within 1–21 days of exposure and include fever, muscle aches, headache, and a characteristic rash. Most cases are mild and recover fully, but in some instances, it can lead to severe illness, especially for those with weakened immune systems.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are emphasizing the need for preventive measures and early detection to curb the spread of mpox within the community.