The health department has recently confirmed a positive case of monkeypox in Gauteng, South Africa. On May 9, a 35-year-old man tested positive for the rare viral infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).
This confirmation has prompted a warning for public vigilance from Dr Joe Phaahla, the Minister of Health.
The case was initially tested by Lancet Laboratory and later confirmed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which immediately notified the department.
Monkeypox is not highly transmissible from person to person, but it has gained global public health significance due to its potential to cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. While most people fully recover from the disease, some individuals may experience severe illness.
According to the preliminary investigation and case findings reports, the patient does not have a recent travel history to countries experiencing an outbreak of the disease.
Both the Gauteng and National Departments of Health are managing the situation according to protocol and national guidelines. Contact tracing is currently underway to identify any additional linked cases of monkeypox in South Africa.
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The health department has reported the emergence of a new variant of MPXV, known as “Clade 1b,” during the epidemiological week 16 of 2024 (April 14-20, 2024) in Kamituga, a mining enclave within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This variant is characterised by heightened transmissibility, primarily through sexual contact, raising concerns about its potential to cause a pandemic.
Monkeypox typically presents with an acute illness characterized by fever and general flu-like symptoms, followed by the eruption of a blister-like rash on the skin. The disease is rarely fatal, and cases typically resolve within two to four weeks. Most cases do not require hospital treatment, and prevention of infection relies on the isolation of cases until full recovery.
According to the Department of Health, the risk of monkeypox transmission to the general population is considered low due to the virus’s low transmissibility. The last reported cases of monkeypox in South Africa were in August 2022.
However, given the recent confirmation of a new variant and the potential for increased transmissibility, public vigilance and adherence to preventive measures are crucial.
The health department, along with relevant authorities, will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
It is important for individuals to stay informed about the latest developments and follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by health officials to protect themselves and others from the spread of monkeypox.
