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South Africa has confirmed its first death from Mpox, a viral infection previously known as monkeypox, according to Health Minister Joe Phaahla.
A 37-year-old man succumbed to the virus on Monday after being hospitalized in Gauteng province just three days prior. This case marks the first fatality among the five Mpox infections identified in the country this year. All five patients, men aged 30 to 39, were hospitalized due to the severity of their illness. Notably, none had recent travel history to countries experiencing outbreaks, suggesting local transmission of the virus.
Mpox spreads through close contact and causes flu-like symptoms alongside a distinctive rash. While the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency over a global Mpox outbreak in 2022, the situation has since improved. However, sporadic cases persist in certain regions.
“One death is too many, especially from a preventable and manageable disease,” said Minister Phaahla. He urged individuals experiencing potential Mpox symptoms to seek medical attention promptly to facilitate contact tracing and prevent further spread.
The five confirmed cases in South Africa all had pre-existing immune deficiencies and were diagnosed since May 2024. Two patients have recovered and been discharged, while two remain hospitalized. Health officials are closely monitoring anyone who came into contact with the deceased individual for a period of 21 days, the recommended timeframe for potential symptom development.
The first human Mpox case was identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, and the virus remains endemic in that region, according to the WHO. This recent development in South Africa highlights the need for continued vigilance and public awareness surrounding Mpox.
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