South Africa has confirmed five cases of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, resulting in one de@th.
The affected individuals, all males aged 30 to 39 and South African nationals with no travel history, suggest local transmission.
The disease is reportedly associated with male-to-male s3xual contact, although one case involved both male and female contacts.
Currently, patients remain in serious condition, with two hospitalised, one discharged, and one under home monitoring.
In response, health authorities are actively tracing and monitoring 38 contacts in KwaZulu-Natal. While no specific treatment is registered in South Africa, the World Health Organization recommends Tecovirimat for severe cases.
Furthermore, one case revealed several s#xual partners, not only men, which raised worries about female interactions. The Department of Health emphasises the importance of careful contact tracing when evaluating recent connections.
According to the Minister of Health, the disease spreads predominantly through male-to-male intercourse.
