The first case of Mpox in the Western Cape has been recorded, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in South Africa to seven.According to the National Department of Health, a 39-year-old man was admitted to a local private health facility in Cape Town. He tested positive for the virus on Thursday.
Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the department, said the man presented with extensive lesions and tested positive for HIV with an unknown CD4 count. A CD4 count is a blood test to determine the number of white blood cells. ‘The department has noted that all cases/patients are living with chronic illness such as HIV, which suggests a high probability of immunocompromised unless adherent to prescribed treatment.’
To date, two people have passed away within five weeks. ‘Treatment adherence can prevent new or worsening health problems and failure to adhere to your prescriptions can negatively impact the quality of your life,’ Mohale added.‘The department urges all people taking medication for any health condition to adhere to treatment as per guidance of the healthcare provider to minimise the risk of serious health complications in case they contract Mpox and other diseases.