The Health Department confirms that the number of Mpox cases in South Africa has now risen to 13, despite ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the disease.
The total number of cases has grown from seven to 13, and so far, there have only been cases in three provinces in the country KZN, Gauteng and the Western Cape. Only two patients have succumbed to their Mpox symptoms.
Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said Seven of the cases were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape . Hand hygiene is one of the effective ways to protect people from getting sick and prevent transmission of diseases. Hence, people are reminded to always wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom, SABC News reported.
According to News24 , Mohale reported that the department received its first batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX or ST-246, which will be used for treating patients with severe health complications.
While the medication is not yet registered in South Africa, it is being used under a Section 21 application to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
