South Africa is facing a renewed increase in mpox infections, with 18 laboratory-confirmed cases and one probable case recorded by 17 September 2026.
The latest figures from the National Department of Health show that the Western Cape is at the centre of the current increase. Fifteen of the confirmed cases have been recorded in the province, with Cape Town accounting for most of them. Gauteng has recorded three confirmed cases, while KwaZulu-Natal has reported one case.
Health officials say the speed at which cases have emerged is a concern. Thirteen of the 18 confirmed infections were identified between 13 August and 17 September, a pattern the department says points to rapid local transmission.
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale urged the public to remain alert but stressed that mpox can affect people across different social and demographic groups.
The affected individuals range in age from 23 to 50, with a median age of 36.5. Eighteen of the 19 confirmed or probable cases involve men.
One of the latest cases is also being investigated in connection with international travel. The individual travelled to Spain and returned to South Africa on 14 September after being tested there. South African health authorities are communicating with their Spanish counterparts while awaiting confirmation of the laboratory results.
Recognising the symptoms and understanding transmission
Mpox is a viral infection that can cause a combination of systemic symptoms and skin lesions. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain and fatigue.
A rash or other skin lesions may develop on areas including the face, hands, feet and genitals, although lesions can occur elsewhere on the body. They may begin as flat red spots before developing into bumps, fluid-filled blisters and pustules, eventually forming crusted scabs.
Symptoms generally appear within six to 13 days after exposure, although the incubation period can range from five to 21 days.
The virus is primarily transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person, including contact with skin lesions. It can also spread through contaminated bedding, clothing and towels.
Prolonged face-to-face contact may also present a transmission risk. Health officials are therefore advising people who develop symptoms, particularly after contact with a confirmed or suspected case, to seek medical attention promptly and avoid close contact with others.
Good hand hygiene remains an important preventive measure. Regular handwashing or the use of hand sanitiser can help reduce the risk of transmission.
Government secures limited vaccine supply
The government has secured a limited supply of mpox vaccine with support from the World Health Organization as part of its response to the increase in cases.
The Department of Health said authorities would determine where and how the available doses should be deployed, depending on the outbreak situation. Vaccination is expected to form part of a broader response that also includes surveillance, early detection and preventive measures.
The department has also stressed the importance of monitoring people who have had close contact with infected individuals. Anyone exposed to a confirmed or suspected case should remain alert for symptoms for up to 21 days.
The current increase comes as South Africa continues to monitor the geographical spread of mpox rather than treating the latest cases as isolated infections. The concentration of cases in Cape Town, together with the number identified over a relatively short period, has prompted the renewed public-health warning.
At the same time, officials are urging communities to avoid stigma and discrimination against people diagnosed with or suspected of having mpox.
Mohale warned that stigma could discourage people from seeking medical care, making it harder for health authorities to identify infections and contain transmission.
For the public, health authorities say the key measures remain straightforward: recognise symptoms early, seek medical attention when necessary, limit close contact when infection is suspected, and maintain good hand hygiene.