By: Bright Ntuli
The Department of Health has announced the launch of a nationwide vaccination campaign in response to a gradual increase in laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox disease.
According to the department, two new cases have been confirmed, one in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to ten.
Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said they had received approximately 10,500 doses of the mpox vaccine, Imvanex. The vaccine was donated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to support South Africa’s efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, which is related to the smallpox virus. It spreads primarily through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. It can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
The World Health Organisation declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern in 2022 following a global outbreak. Although the disease is generally less severe than smallpox, it can lead to complications, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Mohale said the department’s vaccination strategy will prioritise high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, laboratory personnel, and close contacts of confirmed cases.
“We are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any symptoms consistent with mpox, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that progresses from lesions to scabs,” he said.
