South Africa has reported its first fatality from Mpox, a 37-year-old man who died at Tembisa Hospital on Monday, according to Health Minister Joe Phaahla.
The minister confirmed during a news conference that there have been five laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease in the past month.
Phaahla stated that all patients are males aged between 30 and 39 years old and did not have a travel history to countries currently experiencing an outbreak, indicating local transmission in the country.
Mpox spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled sores. Most cases result in mild illness, but it can be fatal.
Phaahla added that four other individuals are currently undergoing treatment: one has been discharged, one is recovering at home, and two remain hospitalized.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued travel restrictions, individuals traveling to or from areas with Mpox outbreaks are encouraged to inform health workers to facilitate early detection and treatment.
