The South African Department of Health is sounding the alarm after registering four new Mpox cases, increasing the national count since the beginning of the year to 26. The vast majority of infections are concentrated in the Western Cape.
The Department of Health strongly urges the public to remain vigilant, recognize the signs of the disease, and seek medical attention immediately to prevent further spread of the virus. A Department representative, Foster Mohale, confirmed the rise in cases, noting that the latest incidents raised the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed infections from 22 to 26.
Western Cape reports 18 cases
Of the 26 confirmed cases recorded since January 1, 2026, the Western Cape reported 18 cases. This is followed by Gauteng with three cases, the Eastern Cape and Free State with two cases each, and KwaZulu-Natal with one case. Two cases in the Western Cape were linked to foreign nationals who visited South Africa and were classified as imported infections. The remaining 16 cases were linked to local transmission.
The Department reported that 25 out of the 26 people diagnosed with mpox were men aged between 23 and 50, with a median age of 37 years. Information on clade and lineage was available for 17 cases: 13 were linked to Clade Ib, and four to Clade IIb. Mohale urged people to take precautions and seek help if they suspect infection with the virus.
He stated: "The Department calls on the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue."
Public warned about close contact
Mpox is a viral infection that can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person. The Department advised everyone who had been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case to inform healthcare workers and monitor themselves for symptoms over 21 days. People who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and seek medical attention.
The public is also warned against close skin contact with anyone who has a rash that may be related to mpox. Sharing personal items, including bedding, towels, and clothing, with affected individuals should be avoided. Mohale emphasized that people who may have been exposed must closely monitor their health.
He added: "Individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected mpox case must report this to healthcare workers and monitor their condition for symptoms over 21 days."
Strengthening authorities' efforts to contain the spread
The Department stressed that mpox is a preventable and curable disease, while urging healthcare workers to remain vigilant regarding possible infections and follow infection prevention and control protocols when dealing with suspected cases. Authorities continue to collaborate with the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), provincial departments of health, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, case detection, contact tracing, and public awareness.
Mohale noted that the Department will continue to work with partners to prevent further spread. He concluded: "The Department will continue to work closely with the NICD, provincial health authorities, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, case finding, contact tracing, risk communication, and community engagement to curb the further spread of mpox."