New Mpox cases confirmed in Gauteng

The newly detected positive cases include a 38-year-old man who presented to the healthcare facility with symptoms of Mpox.

The other two confirmed cases of Mpox are a 14-year-old boy and a 33-year-old woman, both of whom are contacts of the other patient. 

None of the patients have reported recent travel history to countries or regions currently experiencing Mpox an outbreak.

National Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, says the number of positive cases has increased from 28 to 31 cases since the outbreak in May 2024. 

Three people have since died of the disease.

"The number includes six cases recorded since the beginning of this year. The patients are currently self-isolating and receiving appropriate clinical management from the healthcare workers.

"The Department has activated outbreak response teams in the province for contact tracing and case investigation in the affected areas. "

Mohale adds that all three new Mpox patients also tested positive for a relatively unknown, but common virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV).

"This is a viral infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers which mainly spreads through skin-to-skin contact including kissing and unprotected sex, hence consistent and correct use of condoms remains the best way to prevent genital herpes and other STIs.

"The virus is generally asymptomatic, treatable, but not curable. The symptoms include a rash which may last for 2 - 4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands."

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