"South Africa has recorded a total number of 5 laboratory-confirmed cases and one death ... The patient passed on Monday, 10 June 2024, in Tembisa Hospital," Phaahla said in a statement published by his ministry.
All cases involve men aged 30-39 who have not traveled to outbreak-affected countries. This indicates that the disease is spreading locally, according to the statement.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that wild animals can pass on to people. Common symptoms include fever, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease is endemic in parts of central and western Africa. It was considered rare until 2022, when it spread around the world, reaching Europe and the US.