Mpox, a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, appeared to be under control in the Western Cape despite the province recording its second case in recent weeks.
This was according to the Department of Health and Wellness, which said it was actively monitoring the situation.
Speaking on behalf of the department, Dwayne Evans, the provincial health spokesperson, confirmed that no additional cases had been reported by Thursday, September 12, apart from the two already documented.
"We are closely monitoring the situation with our health teams and are working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to trace and contain cases of mpox," Evans said.
This statement followed an announcement by the National Department of Health earlier in the week, confirming one new case in Cape Town.
The patient, a 38-year-old man, had visited a private medical practice on Wednesday, September 4, after noticing typical mpox symptoms, which included lesions on his face, torso, and genitals, along with headaches, light sensitivity, a sore throat, and muscle pain.
According to the national health department, the man was not hospitalised but was advised to self-isolate while awaiting test results. His test came back positive for mpox on Friday, September 6.
Health officials said the patient had no recent international travel history or known contact with another mpox case.
The new case brought the total number of confirmed mpox cases in South Africa to 25 since the outbreak began in May 2023, the department reported. Of these cases, 12 had been recorded in Gauteng, 11 in KwaZulu-Natal, and two in the Western Cape. Tragically, the outbreak had also resulted in three deaths.
Despite the confirmed cases, health authorities have reassured the public that the risk of widespread transmission remains low. The National Department of Health emphasized that anyone could contract mpox, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, or race.
Mpox symptoms and transmission
Mpox typically presents with a rash that can last between two to four weeks. The rash often resembles painful blisters or sores and may appear on various parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and groin.
Other common symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and low energy.
While most people recover fully from mpox, some individuals may experience more severe illness, according to health experts.
The NICD also outlined the main ways mpox is transmitted. Infection can occur through direct contact with an infected person’s rash, blisters, or scabs, or by sharing personal items such as bed sheets and towels.
Additionally, the virus can spread through close physical proximity to someone who is coughing or sneezing.
Health authorities continue to urge anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
As of now, the situation remains under control in the Western Cape, with health officials working closely with national and local entities to ensure swift containment of any new cases.
Public health guidance encourages vigilance, but the overall risk to the general population remains low.