What you need to know about Mpox virus
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) continues to spread. Here is what you need to know about the virus.
Three people have reportedly died in South Africa due to Mpox. Two cases are from KZN and one case was reported in Gauteng.
According to the South African government, the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox in South Africa is 16 since the outbreak in May 2024.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus and is a part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.
Mpox is also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people, states CDC.
How is it spread?
Mpox can be transmitted through various methods - contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus.
Who is at risk?
“Anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race. Mpox is preventable and manageable, and treatment for both mild and severe cases is available. People at high risk include those living with chronic conditions such as HIV, TB and diabetes,” states the SAnews.go.za.
READ: Latest fatal Mpox case in KZN takes toll to three
Symptoms
CDC states the following symptoms.
- Rash on hands, feet, chest, face, mouth or near the genitals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing and it can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes.
- Exhaustion.
- Muscle aches and backache.
- Headache.
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough).
Mpox typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
Treatment
Last week, the South African government received a batch of Mpox specific treatment, the Tecovirimat (also known as TPOXX or ST-246).
The World Health Organization reports that "treatment of mpox (monkeypox) patients is supportive dependent on the symptoms and various therapeutics that may be effective against Mpox are being developed and tested".
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