The Health Department in KZN has issued a call for heightened awareness after confirming two new cases of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in the province.
Foster Mohale, the department’s spokesperson, emphasized the importance of anyone who has been in close contact with known or suspected Mpox patients to promptly seek medical attention.
KZN Recent Mpox Case Findings and Transmission Concerns
Preliminary investigations indicate that the latest cases had contact with a previously confirmed patient in the province, suggesting local transmission. This raises concerns about a potential outbreak within the region.
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Mohale stated, “This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases in South Africa to four: three in KwaZulu-Natal and one in Gauteng. All individuals are South African males in their mid to late 30s.”
Understanding Mpox
Transmission
Mpox spreads through close contact with lesions, sexual contact, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials like bedding. The virus’s incubation period typically ranges from 6 to 13 days, though it can vary from 5 to 21 days.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Mpox include a rash lasting 2–4 weeks, fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash often resembles blisters or sores and can appear on the face, palms, soles, groin, genital, and/or anal areas.
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If one is at risk for Mpox, they should get vaccinated to help stop the spread. Other forms of prevention include decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread. The department urges those who may have been in contact with the infected people to quickly seek medical help.