The Department of Health is calling on citizens to remain vigilant for mpox (previously known as monkeypox) symptoms as the country experiences a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed cases over the past several weeks. As of Wednesday 17 September, South Africa has recorded 18 confirmed cases and one probable case, a figure health authorities say requires immediate and sustained public cooperation to contain.
The majority of cases (15) were reported in the Western Cape, concentrated in the City of Cape Town. Three cases were recorded in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal. Of particular concern, 13 of the total cases were reported between 13 August and 17 September, signalling rapid local transmission of the preventable viral infection.
Patients range in age from 23 to 50 years, with a median age of 36.5. A total of 18 of the 19 cases are male and one is female.
Imported case linked to travel to Spain
One of the most recent cases involves an individual who travelled to Spain earlier in September and returned to South Africa on Monday 14 September. The person underwent testing in Spain after being informed of his probable case status. South African health authorities are in contact with Spanish counterparts regarding the laboratory test results to confirm his mpox status.
Health officials note that mpox may present in anyone who has had close contact with a confirmed case within the preceding 21 days, with symptoms typically appearing within six to 13 days after exposure, though the incubation period can range from five to 21 days.
Symptoms and transmission
The department is reminding the public of mpox symptoms, which 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 body parts. Skin lesions typically begin as flat red spots, progressing to raised bumps, then fluid-filled blisters, pus-filled bumps and finally crusted scabs.
Mpox is transmitted primarily through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact with the rash or lesions, as well as contact with contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, or towels. Infected individuals can also transmit the virus through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact or uncovered coughing and sneezing.
Anyone experiencing symptoms – particularly those who have had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case – should seek medical attention immediately and avoid close contact with others.
Prevention, treatment and stigma
The department emphasises that vigilance is essential in households, healthcare settings and close social networks. Frequent hand washing and the use of sanitisers are cited as effective methods to curb transmission.
Through the support of the World Health Organisation, the government has secured limited doses of the mpox vaccine (MVA-BN) and the treatment Tecovirimat as part of its outbreak response strategy to disrupt local transmission. Health authorities will determine where and how these doses are deployed to contain outbreaks and vaccination should be accompanied by continued adherence to preventive measures.
Mpox is a viral disease that can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. The department is urging individuals and communities to support those diagnosed with or suspected of having mpox, warning that stigma and discrimination can deter people from seeking medical care and ultimately undermine the outbreak response.
