The latest case/patient is a 38-year old male patient who was admitted at a local hospital in uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and tested positive for mpox on Wednesday, 12 June after presenting with extensive lesions, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, oral ulcers, muscle pain and sore throat. The patient has unfortunately demised in KZN the same day his test results came back positive. This brings the total number of positive cases in the country from five to six and two deaths within a period of five weeks.
The patient was living with HIV, and he listed his residential address as Brakpan, Gauteng. The Department is working closely with both Gauteng and KZN Departments of Health to investigate the case. Further updates and reports will be provided once the investigation has been concluded.
Sequencing results for the first three cases sequence typed as clade ll b, the same as the sub-lineage responsible for the multi-country outbreak which began in 2022 and has since spread to over 100 countries. Minister Phaahla reiterates the importance of personal hygiene, timely presenting at the health facility for early diagnosis and effective treatment in case of suspected symptoms and close physical contact with a known case.
Mpox is a preventable and treatable disease if diagnosed early. People are urged to avoid physical contact with someone who has mpox, practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Diagnosed cases/patients should where possible, avoid contact with immunocompromised people, children or pregnant women who may be at higher risk of severe symptoms if exposed.
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale
Health Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 072 432 3792
E-mail: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Doctor Tshwale
Media Liaison Officer for Health Minister
Cell: 063 657 8487
E-mail: Doctor.tshwale@health.gov.za
