The Department of Health has received the first batch of Tecovirimat (also known as TPOXX or ST-246) for the treatment of patients who experience severe health complications as a result of mpox disease.
Currently the country has recorded seventeen mpox cases with two deaths.
The deaths occurred in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Seven of the cases were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape.
All cases are male patients between the ages of 23 and 39.
The department has announced that the process to secure more treatment including vaccine is underway in case the need arises.
The Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla has reiterated hygiene, timely presenting at a health facility for effective treatment in case of suspected symptoms and close physical contact with a know case.
Some of the common symptoms of mpox to look for include a rash which may last for 2–4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes).