South Africa’s mpox outbreak death toll rises to three, 16 cases confirmed

The Department of Health gave an update on the mpox outbreak and response efforts on Tuesday evening and confirmed that South Africa had recorded three more positive cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). 

One new death was recorded, bringing the number of deaths to three as efforts to curb the spread of the infectious disease are ongoing in affected communities around the country.

The first batch of mpox-specific treatment was received last week. The medicine, Tecovirimat (also known as TPOXX or ST-246), is used to treat patients who experience severe health complications as a result of mpox. 

The health department said it was securing more mpox medication, including vaccines, adding that all mild cases would continue to be managed with supportive treatment for complications like fever, pneumonia and skin infections. 

“The latest cases/patients include a 40-year-old male from Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal who presented with mpox-like symptoms including a rash all over his body and never presented in hospital,” the department said.

The 40-year-old died at home and the results came back positive for mpox on 23 June.  

The other two new cases were confirmed in Gauteng, including a 43-year-old man who was diagnosed on 22 June at a private health facility in Johannesburg, and a 29-year-old male diagnosed at a Mamelodi health facility on 21 June.  

Read more in Daily Maverick: Health department reports second SA mpox death — here’s what you need to know

“The department, working with provinces and other stakeholders in the sector, has embarked on health education with funeral parlours on how to handle the human remains … due to suspected and confirmed mpox,” the department said.

The World Health Organization has not recommended any travel restrictions for South Africa and the department said there was no need to fear possible travel restrictions or lockdowns due to the mpox outbreak.

“However, it is important for travellers from mpox-endemic countries to seek healthcare if they are ill and to alert health officials about their travel for clinical guidance,” said health department spokesperson Foster Mohale.

“Individuals, families and communities are urged to support all those who experience mpox-like symptoms to present at the nearest healthcare facilities without delay for screening and diagnosis, instead of self-diagnosis and using over-the-counter medication.” 

Hand hygiene is an effective way to prevent transmission of the disease. The health department reminded people to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially before eating or touching the face and after using the bathroom.

“Some of the common symptoms of mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes),” the department said.

“The painful rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, etc.” DM