Mpox Cases on the Rise in South Africa: Health Department Rolls Out Targeted Vaccination

With new infections in Gauteng and the Western Cape, the Health Department is ramping up its response to contain the spread of mpox.

South Africa’s Department of Health has issued a fresh warning as laboratory-confirmed mpox cases continue to rise, with two new infections recently reported in Cape Town and Johannesburg. These latest cases push the total number of confirmed infections to ten since the beginning of 2025.

The latest patients, a 32-year-old from Cape Town and a 45-year-old from Johannesburg, have no history of travel outside South Africa, a sign that local transmission may be increasing.

Government Launches Mpox Vaccination Drive

Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale confirmed that the government is rolling out a targeted vaccination campaign in response to the growing number of cases.

“We’re focusing on the most affected provinces, Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal,” said Mohale, noting that 10,500 doses of the Imvanex mpox vaccine have been received as a donation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control.

Priority groups for vaccination will include:

• Individuals in close contact with confirmed cases

• People with multiple sexual partners

• Travellers to regions with active outbreaks

• Pregnant women and children over 2 years (where appropriate)

“This is a preventable and manageable disease,” Mohale emphasized. “Vaccination not only protects individuals but helps reduce the risk of outbreaks and severe complications.”

What to Watch For: Symptoms and Side Effects

Mpox is generally mild and self-limiting, with a low fatality rate. But early identification is key to preventing transmission.

Common mpox symptoms include:

• Fever

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Skin rashes or lesions

While the Imvanex vaccine is safe and effective, some people may experience temporary side effects such as redness or pain at the injection site, fever, and mild muscle aches. These usually resolve without medical intervention.

A Cautious But Calm Approach

Health experts say the risk of widespread mpox transmission remains low in South Africa. However, community awareness is crucial, especially as the virus spreads in non-travel-related cases.

“It’s not just a traveller’s disease,” Mohale said. “Mpox can affect anyone , regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. That’s why education and early intervention are so important.”

Public Reaction: Growing Concern, But Not Panic

On social media, South Africans have expressed concern about the rising case numbers. Some have shared confusion over symptoms, while others praised the government’s proactive vaccination efforts. The hashtag #MpoxSA is beginning to trend locally, as users call for more accessible public information and vaccine rollout updates.

“Let’s not wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Vaccinate and educate,” one user posted on X.

What You Should Do

If you think you may be at risk, especially if you’ve had close contact with someone infected or are experiencing symptoms, you’re advised to visit your nearest health facility for screening. Health workers can also determine your eligibility for the mpox vaccine.

With the cold months still ahead and concerns over healthcare capacity lingering from COVID-19, public health officials are hoping this early intervention strategy keeps the mpox situation under control.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com