Phaahla believes SA is still in control of mpox outbreak

JOHANNESBURG - Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla believes South Africa is still in control of the mpox, also known as monkeypox, outbreak.

Last week, the country recorded a 25th case since the outbreak started in May. Three deaths have since been recorded.

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Phaahla said South Africa seems to be doing relatively well in managing mpox, especially compared to countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where multiple cases are reported daily.

“That’s why we have agreed with the World Health Organization (WHO) that because of the scarcity of the vaccines, we agree with the WHO to prioritise countries like the DRC.”

But he said South Africa will also receive some vaccines.

“We have been informed that a couple of thousand doses are also coming our way. We will only earmark them for very high-risk patients.”

Phaahla said the latest patient to catch the virus is stable and recovering from home.