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South Africans urged to remain vigilant as mpox cases rise

By Mapaballo Borotho

Man shows mpox infection on hands
Image: Adobe Stock
  • South Africans have been urged to remain vigilant following the confirmation of new mpox cases.
  • The Department of Health says there has been a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed cases over the past few weeks.
  • Health authorities are working with the WHO and international counterparts as they assess the use of vaccines and monitor the spread of the virus.

South Africans have been urged to remain vigilant following the confirmation of new cases of mpox.

The Department of Health confirmed on Friday, 18 September 2026, that the country has experienced a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed mpox cases over the past few weeks.

Health spokesperson Foster Mohale says the majority of the cases were reported in the Western Cape, particularly in the City of Cape Town.

Three cases were reported in Gauteng, while another was reported in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Of concern is that 13 of the total cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September, which suggests a rapid local transmission of this preventable viral infection.

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,” said Mohale.

Mohale says one of the cases involved an individual who travelled to Spain and recently returned to South Africa.

“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 the laboratory test results of the individual to confirm his mpox status.”

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Mpox can be transmitted through physical contact with an infected individual.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and a rash or skin lesions that may appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals or other parts of the body.

Typically, the skin lesions start as flat red spots before progressing to bumps, followed by fluid-filled blisters, then pus-filled bumps and eventually crusted scabs.

Symptoms usually appear within six to 13 days after exposure but can range from five to 21 days.

Mohale says, with assistance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), South Africa has managed to secure some vaccines for the infection.

“The health authorities will decide where and how to use these doses to contain outbreaks. Vaccination should be accompanied by continued adherence to preventive measures,” he added.

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