South African health authorities have reported two deaths this week due to mpox, a rare disease caused by a virus related to smallpox. The deaths occurred in different provinces, highlighting concerns about local transmission of the disease.
The first fatality was a 38-year-old man in KwaZulu-Natal province, whose infection was confirmed through laboratory testing. The second death involved a man near Johannesburg. Both men were in their 30s and had underlying health conditions, with one of them also being HIV positive.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla revealed that these deaths are part of six confirmed cases of mpox in South Africa. Notably, all cases were in men who had no recent travel history to countries experiencing mpox outbreaks, indicating possible local transmission.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was previously limited to Africa, primarily transmitted through animal bites. However, a global outbreak in 2022 revealed its ability to spread among humans, including through sexual contact. While the disease is generally rare, it can be more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Since 2022, mpox has caused 186 deaths worldwide, with a low fatality rate. South Africa, which last recorded an mpox case in 2022, is now considering vaccination efforts to curb the outbreak. The country aims to secure vaccines and initiate an immunization campaign to protect its population.
Phaahla emphasized that the South African outbreak differs from the ongoing epidemic in Congo, where a more lethal strain of mpox is contributing to a significant outbreak. Despite the challenges posed by mpox, the World Health Organization no longer considers it an international crisis.
As health authorities monitor the situation closely, efforts are underway to contain the spread of mpox in South Africa and protect vulnerable populations from this infectious disease.
