2022–2023 mpox outbreak in South Africa

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in South Africa
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	South Africa
Index case	June 2022
Confirmed cases	100 (as of October 2023)
Deaths	0
Government website
National Institute for Communicable Diseases

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in South Africa is part of the global 2022–2023 mpox outbreak. The outbreak in South Africa began in June 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in Johannesburg. The outbreak has been characterized by sporadic cases across several provinces, with a total of 100 confirmed cases as of October 2023.

Background

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic to parts of Central and West Africa, but the 2022–2023 outbreak has seen cases reported in non-endemic countries, including South Africa.

Epidemiology

The first case in South Africa was identified in June 2022 in a traveler returning from Europe. Subsequent cases have been linked to both travel and local transmission. The majority of cases have been reported in urban areas, with Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal being the most affected provinces.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with mpox typically present with fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses from macules to papules, vesicles, and pustules. The rash often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Lymphadenopathy is also a common feature.

Public Health Response

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has been at the forefront of the response to the outbreak. Measures have included:

• Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing
• Public awareness campaigns
• Guidelines for healthcare providers on diagnosis and management
• Vaccination of high-risk groups

Prevention and Control

Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals and animals, practicing good hygiene, and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients. Vaccination with the smallpox vaccine, which provides cross-protection against mpox, has been recommended for healthcare workers and other high-risk groups.

Impact

The outbreak has placed additional strain on South Africa's healthcare system, which is already dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact has been mitigated by effective public health interventions and international collaboration.

Also see

• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Monkeypox virus
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases
• Public health in South Africa