This brings the total number of monkeypox cases in the country to six, with two fatalities occurring in the last five weeks.

The most recent death involved a 38-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal who tested positive for mpox on Wednesday. The patient, who was living with HIV, was admitted to a local hospital presenting extensive lesions, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, oral ulcers, muscle aches, and a sore throat. According to Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the health department, the patient succumbed to the disease on the same day his test results confirmed the infection.

All confirmed cases of monkeypox in South Africa have been reported in the provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with the latest case occurring in KwaZulu-Natal. The Department of Health has initiated an investigation to trace the recent cases and deaths in an effort to curb further spread of the virus.

Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, presents symptoms including an unexplained acute rash, swollen lymph nodes, acute onset of fever, headache, muscle and body aches, and low energy. The health department has advised individuals diagnosed with monkeypox to avoid contact with pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised individuals due to their heightened risk of infection.

The Department of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and has urged the public to remain vigilant. Preventive measures and timely medical consultation are emphasized to control the spread of the virus.

The recent deaths highlight the severity of the current outbreak and the need for ongoing public health efforts to address and contain monkeypox in South Africa. (ILKHA)