Two new Mpox cases detected in South Africa
The Health Department has recorded two new laboratory-confirmed Mpox cases - in Gauteng and the Western Cape respectively.
The two new cases include a 32-year-old patient from Cape Town and a 45-year-old patient from Johannesburg, both of whom have no travel history.
National Health spokesperson Foster Mohale says the Department has rolled out Mpox vaccinations as cases gradually rise in the country.
The Department has received over 10 000 doses of the mpox vaccine, Imvanex® as a donation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control through the Access and Allocation Mechanism for Mpox, to combat the various mpox outbreaks on the African continent.
"The vaccination programme will target the most affected provinces which currently include Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
"Vaccination helps to control the spread of this preventable and manageable disease, with vaccinated individuals being protected from becoming infected and from developing severe complications.
"Vaccination can be accessed at some public health facilities, travel clinics and a few private providers in the above-mentioned provinces.
"Priority will be given to people at a higher risk of contacting the virus, including those who came into close contact with people who tested positive, people with multiple sexual partners and travellers going to areas where there is an outbreak of mpox. Where indicated vaccination will be offered to pregnant women and children older than 2 years."
Mohale has urged the public to be extra vigilant of mpox symptoms.
"Those who suspect that they are at risk of mpox infection are advised to consult their nearest health facility or healthcare provider for screening and testing, and to find out if they are eligible for this life-saving vaccination.
"The vaccine was found to be safe and is well tolerated in the vast majority of people. As with any vaccine, some people may experience mild to moderate side effects after being vaccinated.
"This is a normal sign that the body is developing some level of immunity to prevent severity of the disease if infected."
He says common side effects might be experienced following immunisation.
"These include pain, redness, swelling and itching at the injection site; muscle pain; headache; nausea; and fever. However, most side effects disappear on their own within a few days without treatment.
"These side effects can be managed by have enough rest, staying hydrated and taking medication to manage pain, if needed."
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