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

South Africa has seen a surge in Monkeypox (mpox) cases, with 19 confirmed instances as of Thursday, according to the Department of Health. The majority of these infections are concentrated in Cape Town, with the rest scattered across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale disclosed that a majority of the patients were men aged between 23 and 50 years, with an average age of 36.5.

Notably, 13 of the cases were detected between August 13 and September 17, indicating a rapid local transmission of the disease.

Mohale emphasized that mpox is not selective and can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. The symptoms of mpox include fever, fatigue, and skin lesions that progress from red spots to fluid-filled blisters and eventually form scabs. These symptoms typically appear six to 13 days after exposure. The virus mainly spreads through close physical contact, contaminated bedding or clothing, and prolonged face-to-face contact.

Mohale urged the public to maintain vigilance regarding mpox symptoms and stressed the importance of proper hand hygiene in preventing the spread of the virus. The government has secured limited doses of the Tecovirimat vaccine, thanks to support from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, Mohale appealed for compassion and urged the public to avoid stigmatizing individuals affected by the disease, as stigma can hinder the outbreak response by discouraging people from seeking necessary medical care.