Mpox cases rise in South Africa as health authorities urge vigilance

South Africa has recorded 18 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases and one probable case, with most infections concentrated in the Western Cape, health officials said as they urged the public to watch for symptoms and practice prevention measures.

Where cases have been detected

The Department of Health said 15 of the confirmed cases were in the Western Cape, mainly Cape Town. Three cases were reported in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

Recent rise and patient profile

Departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale said the country was seeing a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed mpox cases in the past few weeks. He noted that 13 of the total cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September, which he said suggested rapid local transmission.

Mohale provided basic demographic information: patients ranged from 23 to 50 years old, with a median age of 36.5, and 18 of the 19 cases involved men. He also said one recent patient had travelled to Spain and returned to South Africa on 14 September after testing there, and that authorities were working with Spanish officials to confirm his status.

Symptoms and how mpox spreads

Mohale described mpox as a disease that can affect anyone and listed common symptoms. He said symptoms include fever, fatigue, and skin lesions that progress from red spots to fluid-filled blisters and eventually crusted scabs. He added that lesions typically appear six to 13 days after exposure.

On transmission, Mohale said the virus spreads mainly through close physical contact, contaminated bedding or clothing, and prolonged face-to-face contact.

Prevention, treatment and stigma

Health authorities urged basic prevention measures. Mohale said:

“Hand hygiene through frequent washing or use of sanitisers is one of the effective methods to prevent the spread of the virus.”

The Department of Health also stressed that mpox can affect anyone and warned against stigma. Mohale said:

“Stigma and discrimination have the potential to undermine an outbreak response by deterring people from seeking medical care.”

With support from the World Health Organization, the government has secured limited doses of the Tecovirimat vaccine, the department said.

What authorities are asking of the public

• Remain vigilant for the symptoms described by health officials.
• Practice hand hygiene and avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms.
• Seek medical care if symptoms develop.