Monkeypox
South Africa has reported a confirmed case of monkeypox disease, now widely referred to as Mpox. The announcement made by the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, comes as a reminder of the ever-present threat of infectious diseases. The confirmed case, involving a 35-year-old male resident of Gauteng province, tested positive on the 9th of May 2024, sparking immediate actions from the health authorities.
Mpox is recognized as a rare but potentially serious viral infectious disease, which manifests through a distinctive painful rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Despite being less transmissible person-to-person compared to other viral infections, the disease can lead to severe complications in some cases.
The Department of Health, in collaboration with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), confirmed the case following initial tests conducted by Lancet Laboratory. The rapid response highlights the efficiency of South Africa’s infectious disease surveillance system. Notably, the patient has not traveled to any known Mpox outbreak areas, which has intensified the intrigue surrounding the origin of this infection.
In the fight against the spread of Mpox, both the National and Gauteng Departments of Health have been fervently working to manage the current situation, adhering strictly to the set protocols and national guidelines. “Contact tracing is continuing to identify any additional linked cases of Mpox in South Africa,” stated the Department of Health, underscoring the importance of preventing further transmission.
The global health community has been on edge due to an ongoing outbreak of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2023, attributed mainly to the highly virulent MPXV clade I. This clade has demonstrated a higher fatality rate and distinct transmission patterns. Adding to the concerns, a new variant dubbed “clade 1b” emerged in April 2024, with a potential for increased transmissibility through sexual contact.
Despite the apprehensions surrounding the new variant, the Department of Health reassures the public that the risk to the general population remains low, given the virus’s low transmissibility rate. They also emphasize that most Mpox cases are self-limiting and do not necessitate hospital treatment. The cornerstone of preventing Mpox spread lies in the isolation of cases until full recovery is achieved.
This recent case in South Africa, the first since August 2022, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of infectious diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended increased alertness, thorough contact tracing, and monitoring of all laboratory-confirmed cases to prevent transmission and eventually eliminate the circulation of the MPXV among humans.
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