Health Minister Joe Phaahla Confirms One Mpox Patient Has Died, Four Other Cases Reported

South Africa has confirmed five cases of mpox (monkeypox), with one resulting in a fatality. Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced on Wednesday that the patient passed away in Tembisa Hospital on Monday.

All the patients are male, aged between 30 and 39. Notably, these cases are due to local transmission, as none of the patients had travelled abroad.

– Advertisement –

The individual who succumbed to the disease was a resident of Gauteng but originally hailed from KwaZulu-Natal. He had not visited his home province since December. The details of his hospitalization and the progression of his illness remain under investigation.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: KZN Cop Hospitalized After Shooting Near Durban Voting Station

Among the remaining four patients, two are currently receiving treatment in hospital, one has been discharged but is under follow-up treatment and isolation, and one has been cleared of the infection. Geographically, three of these cases are situated in KwaZulu-Natal, and one is in Gauteng.

– Advertisement –

The first case of mpox in South Africa was reported in May. The current situation underscores the importance of local transmission as a significant concern, given that none of the confirmed cases involved recent travel abroad. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread and provide timely medical intervention to those affected.

This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

– Advertisement –