Second Mpox Death Confirmed in South Africa as Cases Rise
As the country’s number of confirmed Mpox cases climbs to six, the Department of Health has confirmed that a second person has died from the virus.
Published by Everything ZA News
South Africa’s Department of Health has confirmed a second death from Mpox, the virus previously known as monkeypox, bringing the national death toll to two as confirmed cases climb to six.
The latest victim, a 38-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), was admitted to a local hospital in uMgungundlovu on Wednesday. He tested positive for Mpox after experiencing extensive lesions, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fatigue, mouth ulcers, muscle pain, and a sore throat. Tragically, the patient passed away on the same day his test results were returned.pen_spark
Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla revealed that the deceased man was living with HIV and listed his residential address as Gauteng. Authorities from both provinces are now collaborating to investigate the case thoroughly.
“Further updates and reports will be provided once the investigation has been concluded,” said Dr. Phaahla.
He added that initial sequencing results for the first three Mpox cases in South Africa identified clade IIb, the same strain responsible for the ongoing global outbreak that began in 2022 and has now impacted over 100 countries.
Dr. Phaahla emphasized the importance of practicing good hygiene, seeking medical attention promptly for suspected symptoms, and avoiding close physical contact with individuals known to have Mpox. He reiterated that early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and highlighted the preventable and treatable nature of the virus.
“People are urged to avoid physical contact with someone who has Mpox, practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette,” advised Dr. Phaahla. “Diagnosed cases/patients should, where possible, avoid contact with immunocompromised people, children or pregnant women who may be at higher risk of severe symptoms if exposed.”
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