News Desk Reporter
The number of confirmed Mpox cases in the country has increased in recent weeks.
The latest figures show that 18 cases have been confirmed, with one further case listed as probable.
The Western Cape has recorded the highest number, with 15 cases, mainly in the City of Cape Town. Gauteng has recorded three cases, while KwaZulu-Natal has recorded one.
In a statement issued today, 18 September 2026, the Department of Health urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms and help prevent further transmission.
Thirteen of the cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September, which the department said points to rapid local transmission of the virus.
The patients are aged between 23 and 50, with a median age of 36.5. Eighteen are men, and one is a woman.
One of the recent cases involves a person who travelled to Spain earlier this month and returned to the country on 14 September.
The individual was tested in Spain after being informed that they were a probable case. The department said South African health authorities are in contact with their Spanish counterparts regarding the laboratory results to confirm the person’s mpox status.
People who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive can develop symptoms within 21 days of exposure.
Mpox can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain and fatigue, as well as a rash or skin lesions. These may appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals or other parts of the body.
The lesions can begin as flat red spots before developing into bumps, fluid-filled blisters and pus-filled bumps. They can eventually erupt and form crusted scabs.
Symptoms usually develop six to 13 days after exposure, although they can appear between five and 21 days after exposure.
Anyone experiencing symptoms, particularly after close contact with a confirmed or suspected case, should seek medical attention immediately and avoid close contact with others.
Mpox is mainly spread through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact with a rash or lesions.
The virus can also spread through contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing and towels used by an infected person.
People with mpox can also transmit the virus through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, as well as through uncovered coughing or sneezing.
The department said vigilance is particularly important in households, healthcare settings and close social networks.
Frequent handwashing or using hand sanitiser is one of the measures that can help prevent the spread of the virus.
Government, with support from the World Health Organisation, has secured limited doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine and the Tecovirimat treatment as part of its outbreak response.
Health authorities will determine where and how the available vaccines and treatment will be used to help contain outbreaks.
The department said vaccination should be accompanied by continued preventive measures.
It has also urged communities to support people diagnosed with mpox and those suspected of being infected.
The department warned that stigma and discrimination could undermine the response by discouraging people from seeking medical care.