The Department of Health has announced that six new cases of Mpox, previously named monkeypox, have been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases to 13.
Seven of the cases were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape.
The new cases come as the department receives its first batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat (TPOXX or ST-246).
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The department said treatment is reserved for patients who experience severe health complications as a result of Mpox disease.
However, mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment for complications like fever, pneumonia, and skin infections.
The department said Mpox is a preventable and treatable disease that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation.
People with suspected Mpox symptoms or those who have had physical contact with known cases are urged to to present themselves at a healthcare facility for clinical evaluation.
The department said hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of the disease. People are advised to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching their face and after using the bathroom.
“Common symptoms of mpox include a rash that may last for 2-4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen glands (lymph nodes).
“The painful rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and groin,” said the department.
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The department added that it is working to secure more treatment, including vaccines, as the need arises.
The Witness
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