Health Dept receives first batch of Mpox antiviral medication
This comes as the number of confirmed cases increased to 13, with only two confirmed fatalities to date.
FILE: Mpox virus particles, illustration. Picture: SERGII IAREMENKO/SCIENCE PHOTO L / SIA / Science Photo Library via AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The Health Department said it had received the first batch of antiviral medication to treat Mpox.
This comes as the number of confirmed cases increased to 13, with only two confirmed fatalities to date.
The department said that seven of the cases were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape.
Mpox presents symptoms that include a rash that may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said that the process to secure more treatment, including vaccines, was underway in case the need arises.
"However, all mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment used to manage complications like fever, pneumonia and skin infections. Hand hygiene is one of the effective ways to protect people from getting sick and prevent transmission of the diseases, hence people are reminded to always wash hands with soap."