Wednesday, August 28, 2024
We would like advise visitors on the current Mpox situation in South Africa.
As of the 26th August 2024, there have been 24 confirmed cases of Mpox in the country with 3 confirmed deaths, 19 recoveries and 2 active cases (as of 18/08/24). Currently it seems that the number of cases has plateaued, but it is likely that some mild cases are not being reported or laboratory confirmed. The current epidemiological data in South Africa suggests that cases in South Africa are currently confined to people living with HIV and men who have sex with men (MSM).
In countries where the natural animal host of the virus is found, the Mpox virus may be spread from handling infected bush meat, an animal bite or scratch, body fluids and contaminated objects. No animal reservoirs or infected animals have been documented in South Africa. Person-to-person transmission involves close, intimate or household contact with an infected person or materials that have been contaminated by an infected person. Please note that Mpox is only spread through direct contact with the viral particles and is not transmitted through casual contact or via the air such as COVID-19, influenza or other respiratory viruses.
Monitoring at borders and airports in South Africa may involve the usual, temperature screening that has been in place for many years at the various ports of entry.
Travellers experiencing Mpox-like symptoms prior to departure, should seek immediate medical attention and if possible, delay their travel until they are diagnosed or fully recovered in. We also urge all people who experience any of the Mpox symptoms, with or without international travel history to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation and confine themselves to one place until their test results are available.
Diagnostic testing for suspected cases and antiviral treatment for complicated cases of Mpox are currently available in South Africa. Vaccination is currently not available locally but the
National Department of Health is investigating this as preventative measure for at-risk population groups and travellers to high-risk areas elsewhere in Africa.
Anyone can contract Mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race. The current epidemiological data suggests that children and people who are immune suppressed are more vulnerable to severe disease. Others at high risk and vulnerable include those living with chronic medical conditions such as TB and Diabetes, during the current outbreak in the DRC more than 50% of serious cases have occurred in children.
There is also an outbreak of clade Ib Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (this differs from the current clade 2 cases that have been detected in South Africa and elsewhere in the world, including Europe, north and south America). Countries sharing borders with DRC are considered at risk for spread. Cases have been reported in Burundi, Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.
Travellers to these countries should take the following precautions to prevent infection while travelling. Avoid close contact with ill persons, avoid crowds and obtain a vaccine prior to travel if available in their home country. They should also continue with self-monitoring for symptoms after returning home and consult a doctor if at all concerned.
References
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level2/mpox-drc-neighboring-countries
https://www.who.int/groups/mpox-ihr-emergency-committee-2024