Cases of Monkeypox in South Africa

There has been an outbreak of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in South Africa. The latest update from the South African government indicates that there have been five laboratory-confirmed cases and one death.

The cases are reported in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, with the death occurring in Gauteng2. All cases are males aged between 30-39 years without travel history to countries currently experiencing an outbreak, suggesting local transmission.

The Health Minister, Dr. Joe Phaahla, has outlined efforts to curb the spread and mentioned that there is no registered treatment for Mpox in South Africa. However, Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is being used on a compassionate use basis for severe cases