Mpox alert: Cases surge to 18 in SA as Western Cape bears brunt - IOL
The Department of Health is calling for public vigilance after South Africa recorded 18 confirmed mpox cases and one probable case.
The Department of Health has confirmed that South Africa has recorded 18 confirmed Mpox cases, with the majority, 15 of these cases, being reported in the Western Cape, City of Cape Town in particular, three in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.
The department called for public vigilance as mpox cases rise in the country, as it was experiencing a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed mpox cases in the past few weeks.
Departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale said, as of September 17, 2026, the country has recorded 18 confirmed and one probable case, and this requires immediate and sustained public cooperation to contain.
“Of concern is that 13 of the total cases were recorded between August 13 and September 17, which suggests a rapid local transmission of this preventable viral infection.”
Mohale said all cases/patients range in age from 23 to 50 years, with a median age of 36.5 years, and 18 of them are males, with only one female.
“One of the most recent cases involved an individual who travelled to Spain earlier this month and returned to South Africa on 14 September.”
“This person underwent testing in Spain after being informed of his probable case status. South African health authorities are in contact with their Spanish counterparts regarding laboratory test results of the individual to confirm his mpox status.”
Mohale said mpox cases may present in any person who was in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus in the last few days, up to 21 days, and will present by displaying similar symptoms.
“The importance of continued surveillance, early detection, and public cooperation cannot be overemphasised in preventing further transmission.”
Mpox is a viral disease that can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.
He said members of the public are reminded of mpox symptoms, which include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and rash or skin lesions that may appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals or other body parts.
“Typically, the skin lesions start as flat red spots before progressing to bumps, followed by fluid-filled blisters, then pus-filled bumps and eruptions into crusted scabs.”
The symptoms usually appear within six to 13 days after exposure but can range from five to 21 days.
“Therefore, anyone experiencing these symptoms, particularly if they have had close contact with a confirmed case or a suspected case, should seek medical attention immediately and avoid close contact with others.”
Mpox is transmitted mainly through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact with the rash or lesions, and contact with contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing or towels used by an infected person.
Mpox-positive persons can also transmit the virus through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, uncovered coughing or sneezing.
Mohale said vigilance remains essential, particularly in households, healthcare settings and among close social networks.
“Hand hygiene through frequent washing or use of sanitisers is one of the effective methods to prevent the spread of the virus.”
He said the government, through the support of the World Health Organization, has secured limited doses of mpox vaccines (Tecovirimat) as part of its outbreak response strategy to disrupt local transmission.
“The health authorities will decide where and how to use these to contain outbreaks. Vaccination should be accompanied by continued adherence to preventive measures.”
“Individuals and communities are urged to support those diagnosed with mpox and those suspected of being infected with the virus, because stigma and discrimination have the potential to undermine an outbreak response by deterring people from seeking medical care,” he added.
