Africa

South Africa reports second monkeypox death this week

South Africa records third mpox death after 16 confirmed cases. (Reuters)

By Reuters | Thursday, June 13, 2024

Mpox spreads through close physical contact. Most cases are mild but it can kill.

A second person has died in South Africa this week from the viral infection mpox, formerly called monkeypox, the health ministry said on Thursday, less than 24 hours after it announced the first death.

The second person who died was a 38-year-old man. He was admitted to a hospital in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province with extensive lesions, headache, fatigue, oral ulcers, muscle pain and a sore throat. He tested positive for mpox on Wednesday.

Keep reading

"The patient has unfortunately demised in KZN the same day his test results came back positive," spokesperson for the national health department Foster Mohale said.

The total number of laboratory-confirmed mpox cases stands at six, with two deaths since the first case was recorded five weeks ago.

Mpox spreads through close physical contact. Most cases are mild but it can kill. Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles, which can develop into a rash.