News24 | Mpox cases rise to 13, as health department receives first batch of disease-specific medication

Colourised transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue) cultured in the laboratory. (NIH-NIAID/IMAGE POINT FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

• There have been 13 reported cases of Mpox in South Africa.
• The Department of Health says it has received its first batch of Mpox-specific medication.
• Work is under way to source more medication and vaccinations, the department said.

South Africa has recorded another six cases of Mpox in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the total to 13. The death toll remains at two.

Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said: "Seven of the [total number of] cases were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape."

Mohale also said the department had received its first batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX or ST-246, for treating patients who experience severe health complications due to the disease.

News24 understands the medication, which is not yet registered in South Africa, is being used under a Section 21 application to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.

Mohale said:

He urged anyone with suspected Mpox symptoms or who had physical contact with known cases to present themselves at a healthcare facility.

He also urged people to maintain hand hygiene.

READ | Western Cape reports its first mpox patient as SA cases increase to seven

Common symptoms of Mpox include a rash that may last two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes).

The painful rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and groin.