The number of reported Mpox cases has risen to 13, according to the Department of Health. Out of these cases, seven were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal, five in Gauteng, and one in the Western Cape. 

They also confirmed that they received its 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. "However, all mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment used to manage complications like fever, pneumonia, and skin infections," the department said. The department urges all people regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, with suspected Mpox symptoms or who had physical contact with known cases to present themselves at the healthcare facility for clinical evaluation because anyone can contract this preventable and treatable disease."

Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash that may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen glands (lymph nodes). The painful rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and groin. "The process to secure more treatment including vaccine is underway in case the need arises," said the department.