WHO delivers additional Mpox medication to South Africa amid rising cases

SOUTH AFRICA – The World Health Organisation (WHO) is sending medication to South Africa to treat an additional 50 individuals affected by mpox, a viral disease that has seen a concerning rise in cases since May. 

The country has only enough medication for 15 patients, highlighting the urgent need for increased resources as the outbreak unfolds.

During a recent briefing, Dr. Joseph Wamala from the WHO announced the shipment of Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX or ST-246, which is being supplied under a Section 21 application to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra). 

This medication still needs to be registered in South Africa, indicating a reliance on emergency provisions to address the health crisis. 

Dr. Wamala stated, “We are committed to supporting South Africa in managing this outbreak, and these additional doses are crucial for patient care.”

Since the outbreak began, South Africa has reported 16 confirmed mpox cases, with three fatalities.

 All reported cases involve men aged between 23 and 43, raising concerns about the demographic most affected by the disease. 

Dr. Wamala noted that 44% of South African patients have received Tecovirimat treatment, and 15 of the 16 cases have been classified as severe based on WHO criteria.

The broader African context reveals a significant mpox outbreak, with 3,473 confirmed cases and 35 deaths reported across the continent this year. 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) accounts for the majority of these cases, representing 65.3% of the total, along with 25.6% of deaths.

 Dr. Wamala emphasized the need for a coordinated response, stating, “The situation in the DRC serves as a critical reminder of the challenges we face in controlling mpox.”

Globally, mpox cases have surged since the outbreak began in 2022, with over 97,700 cases and 203 deaths reported across at least 116 countries. 

Dr. Shanal Nair from the University of Pretoria highlighted that trends indicate more than 96% of cases are among men, particularly those who have sex with men.

 “Sexual encounters are the most common mode of transmission,” Dr. Nair explained, underscoring the need for targeted public health messaging.

Symptoms of mpox include a painful rash that can last two to four weeks, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. 

The rash often appears as blisters or sores and affects various parts of the body, including the face, palms, soles of the feet, and groin.

As South Africa prepares for a potential increase in cases, the health department has intensified contact tracing efforts. 

However, by the time of publication, the department had not officially commented on the current situation or future plans.

The WHO’s shipment of additional mpox medication to South Africa is critical in addressing the ongoing outbreak. 

As the country grapples with rising cases, the collaboration between local health authorities and international organizations will be essential in mitigating the impact of this disease on the population.

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