A case of Mpox has been confirmed in the country. The Health Department reports that a 35-year-old man from Gauteng has contracted the disease, despite having no recent travel history to countries where outbreaks of the disease, previously known as monkeypox, have occurred.
"Both the national and Gauteng departments of Health are actively involved and managing the situation according to protocol and national guidelines," says spokesperson Foster Mohale. "Contact tracing is ongoing to identify any additional linked cases of Mpox in South Africa."
Mpox typically presents with fever and flu-like symptoms, followed by a blister-like rash on the skin. "The disease is rarely fatal, and cases usually resolve within two to four weeks. Hospital treatment is generally not required, and prevention of infection involves isolating cases until fully recovered."
