Two mpox cases in Sasolburg linked to same source, contacts traced

What has been reported in Sasolburg

The Free State Department of Health has confirmed that the two cases in Sasolburg are linked to the same source. Provincial officials are following up with a small number of close contacts for assessment and testing to determine whether transmission has continued beyond that chain.

Provincial authorities say there is no evidence of widespread community transmission and that the overall risk to the public remains low. One of the patients has been described as clinically stable, is isolating at home and is receiving appropriate medical care.

The national picture

By 18 October, the National Department of Health had recorded 26 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases in South Africa in 2026. The provincial breakdown provided to the department shows:

• Western Cape: 18 cases
• Gauteng: 3 cases
• Eastern Cape: 2 cases
• Free State: 2 cases (including the Sasolburg infections)
• KwaZulu‑Natal: 1 case

Public-health actions under way

Health teams in the Free State are conducting contact tracing and offering testing to those identified as close contacts. Assessments and testing are ongoing as officials seek to confirm whether any additional infections have occurred in the chain linked to the Sasolburg source.

Contact tracing and targeted testing are standard public-health measures used to limit spread by identifying exposed people quickly and offering them guidance, monitoring and, where appropriate, clinical care.

Vaccination programme background

South Africa began a targeted mpox vaccination programme in July 2025 in response to rising infections. The initial rollout focused on provinces that were most affected at the time: Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu‑Natal.

The Department of Health received about 10 500 doses of the Imvanex vaccine through a donation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The early rollout prioritised people at higher risk of infection, including close contacts of confirmed cases and people with multiple sexual partners, with the stated goal of preventing infections and reducing the risk of severe illness.

It is currently uncertain whether vaccine stocks are available in Sasolburg or whether the latest cases meet the criteria for vaccination under the existing arrangements.

Symptoms, precautions and next steps for residents

Health authorities have reiterated the signs and behaviours residents should watch for. Common symptoms associated with mpox may include:

• Rash (which can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals and other parts of the body)
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue

People who develop symptoms are advised to seek medical attention and to avoid close physical or sexual contact while they await assessment. They should also avoid sharing bedding, clothing and other personal items that may have been contaminated.

Those identified as close contacts but without symptoms are asked to monitor their health for 21 days and to contact health services promptly if any symptoms appear. Health officials continue to urge vigilance while contact tracing and surveillance are carried out.

Context and what this means locally

The two linked cases in Sasolburg illustrate how health authorities prioritise tracing and testing around identified sources to limit onward spread. When cases are epidemiologically linked to a single source and contact tracing proceeds quickly, the opportunity to interrupt transmission increases. Officials have said that the current situation does not indicate widespread community transmission.

Residents concerned about exposure or symptoms should make contact with their local health facility for guidance on testing, isolation and possible vaccination eligibility based on current public-health criteria.

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Health officials are continuing contact tracing and surveillance in Sasolburg. The public is being asked to remain vigilant and to seek care if symptoms develop.