The Department of Health has urged the public to be extra vigilant following the confirmation of three mpox cases in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The latest case involves a 38-year-old man who presented mpox symptoms, along with two close contacts, a 14-year-old boy and a 33-year-old woman.

PATIENTS DON'T HAVE TRAVEL HISTORY

Foster Mohale, the national spokesperson for the Department of Health, indicated that none of the patients have travelled recently to areas experiencing outbreaks. "This suggests an ongoing local transmission of the virus in the country. This also highlights the necessity of rapid and well-coordinated contact tracing for early detection and effective management of positive cases," Mohale said. He further said that the patients are currently self-isolating and receiving appropriate clinical management from the healthcare workers. Additionally, all three individuals have tested positive for herpes simplex virus, which causes painful blisters or ulcers and primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including kissing and unprotected sex.

NO ONE IS IMMUNE

The newly confirmed cases raise the total number of positive cases from 28 to 31 since the outbreak began in May 2024, including six cases reported since the start of the year. According to Mohale, the department has mobilised outbreak response teams in the province to conduct contact tracing and investigate cases in the affected regions. While mpox is generally a mild and self-limiting illness with a low fatality rate, health officials assert that the risk of widespread transmission remains low in the country. "Anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, and race."