Uncertainty of Mpox origins remains as 2 more cases detected
The Department of Health noted while the latest 36-year-old patient in KZN has no history of international travel, the 20-year-old Gauteng man recently travelled to Peru.
Mpox (previously monkeypox) virus particles, illustration. Picture: Science Photo Library via AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Health says two new Mpox cases have been detected in Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal, almost a month since the last case was reported.
This brings the total number of cases up to 24, with half of the cases in Gauteng, while the rest were reported in KZN and the Western Cape.
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The number of deaths linked to the disease remains at three.
National Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said while the latest 36-year-old patient in KZN has no history of international travel, the 20-year-old Gauteng man recently travelled to Peru.
“It is uncertain if exposure occurred in Peru or South Africa. 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.”
The department reiterated its call for caution, urging anyone with suspected symptoms to seek medical care as soon as possible.
“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.”