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Mpox Detected in Pietermaritzburg: KZN Health Confirms New Case, Urges Calm
Second Case in Province Sparks Local Health Alert
Health authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed a new case of Mpox in Pietermaritzburg, marking the province’s second laboratory-confirmed infection this year. The patient, a 40-year-old man from the uMgungundlovu District, was diagnosed after seeking medical care for fever, rash, headaches, and muscle pain.
Officials have assured the public that the risk of transmission remains very low. The man is currently in isolation under close medical supervision at Northdale Hospital, where he continues to receive appropriate treatment.
What Happened
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, the patient first visited Eastboom Clinic on 16 October 2025, where he was referred for further testing. Samples were sent to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which confirmed Clade 1b Mpox on 24 October.
This form of Mpox has been recorded in a handful of cases globally this year, and South Africa has reported 12 confirmed cases nationwide in 2025, eight in Gauteng and two in KwaZulu-Natal.
Following the diagnosis, health officials immediately identified four close contacts for monitoring. So far, no secondary infections or community spread have been detected.
Health Department Response
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has emphasised that containment measures are already in place. The province’s health teams, working closely with the NICD, have launched an investigation to ensure rapid response and thorough surveillance.
“Residents should not panic,” the department said in its public statement. “Mpox is a rare viral illness that spreads primarily through close contact. Our healthcare workers are well-trained to handle these cases, and all infection-control protocols are being followed.”
Public Reassurance and Safety Tips
Officials continue to stress that Mpox does not spread easily. However, they urge residents to remain vigilant and report any symptoms such as rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or body aches to their nearest healthcare facility.
Local clinics and hospitals in the uMgungundlovu District have been briefed to manage possible cases quickly and safely. Public education campaigns are also underway to help residents recognise early signs of infection and reduce stigma around the disease.
Context: Mpox in South Africa
South Africa’s first Mpox cases were recorded in 2022, and while the infection remains rare, public health systems have kept strict monitoring in place ever since. The virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is part of the same family as smallpox but is typically milder and treatable when identified early.
For now, health authorities say the situation in KwaZulu-Natal is under control, and the province’s response teams will continue to track the case until full recovery.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Facebook/SABC News
