South Africa on high alert after Mpox death case

South Africa's health department on Wednesday announced plans to procure vaccines against the Mpox, virus formerly known as monkeypox after the country recorded its first confirmed death from the disease this week.

While addressing a media briefing, Joe Phaahla, South Africa's minister of health, said that five cases have been confirmed since May involving men aged between 30 and 39. However, none of the individuals were reported as having traveled abroad, suggesting the disease was being transmitted locally. He added that all five cases recorded in the country this year were classed as severe and required hospitalization.

"At the current moment, there is no registered treatment for Mpox in South Africa. However, the World Health Organization, or WHO, recommends the use of the Tecovirimat vaccine for the treatment of severe cases. We are trying to source vaccines from WHO member countries who have stockpiles that exceed their needs as well as from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization," Phaahla said.