Severe mpox in an immunocompromised, non-traveller South African male.

Authors

Preethi A John, Omphemetse Matikane, Matilda Mphahlele, Barbara B Makumbi

Published in

Southern African journal of infectious diseases. Volume 41. Issue 1. Pages 814. Epub Jun 30, 2026.

Abstract

Mpox is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus infection historically linked to being in endemic regions, travel and close physical contact, including within men who have sex with men (MSM) communities. We report a case of severe mpox in a heterosexual man with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and no travel history to endemic areas. The patient developed extensive cutaneous disease and transmitted mpox to household contacts, illustrating non-sexual transmission. Management included supportive care and tecovirimat under Section 21 authorisation (a regulatory mechanism in South Africa permitting access to an unregistered medicine) with good clinical response.
This case highlights the changing epidemiology of mpox, the risk of severe disease in immunocompromised patients, household and non-sexual transmission. We also emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, infection control and antiviral therapy when indicated.

PMID:
42428787
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 10 Jul 2026.

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