Cluster of Human Tanapox Cases in Wildlife Reserve, South Africa, 2024

During February to March 2024, 11 confirmed cases of tanapox were identified near Orpen in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Tanapox is a rare, self-limiting viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes from wildlife, particularly primates. The disease presents as 1 to 3 nodules on exposed body areas where mosquitoes typically bite, such as hands, elbows, and lower limbs. The lesions are painful and itchy but self-limiting, usually healing without intervention within 6 to 8 weeks. Infection can also cause symptoms including fever, fatigue, intense headaches, and enlarged lymph nodes. No human-to-human transmission or fatal cases have been recorded. Two suspected cases from 2021 were retrospectively identified, suggesting ongoing virus circulation.