Deadly mpox: are you at risk?

Men having sex with men most vulnerable.

- Marizka Coetzer

Men having sex with men were still the most vulnerable to the mpox disease, which has claimed three lives in South Africa.

Medical expert Dr Angelique said these men were at risk as the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the disease an international concern.

Coetzee said the mpox clade (branch) 2B virus recorded in South Afnearly dangerous as the rica wasn't clade ib.

"Mpox clade 1B is a dangerous virus which is fast spreading with a high mortality rate, but isn't recorded in South Africa. Clade 2B, which is in country, is less virulent and mostly asymptomatic with a survival rate of 99 %."

Coetzee said clade B2 was transmitted by direct skin contact, especially sexually, and was mostly found on the skin anorectal area, genitals and eyes.