Mpox outbreak worsens in South Africa: What you need to know about symptoms and spread

The mpox outbreak in South Africa has intensified, with 19 confirmed cases as of Thursday, primarily concentrated in Cape Town, according to the Department of Health. Most of the infections are occurring within a five-week period, with 13 cases recorded between August 13 and September 17, indicating a rapid local transmission of the preventable viral infection.

The majority of the patients are men aged between 23 and 50, with a median age of 36.5. Symptoms of mpox include fever, fatigue, and skin lesions that progress from red spots to fluid-filled blisters and eventually crusted scabs, typically appearing six to 13 days after exposure. The virus spreads mainly through close physical contact, contaminated bedding or clothing, and prolonged face-to-face contact.

Authorities are working with Spanish officials to confirm a recent patient who had traveled to Spain and returned to South Africa on September 14 after testing there. The government has secured limited doses of the Tecovirimat vaccine and is urging citizens to remain vigilant of mpox symptoms and avoid stigma and discrimination to ensure effective outbreak response.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Citizen's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.