South Africa has recorded a sharp increase in confirmed mpox cases in recent weeks, prompting the Department of Health to urge the public to remain vigilant.
In a statement on Thursday, the department revealed that the country had recorded 18 confirmed cases and one probable case in 2026. Most of the cases (15) were reported in the Western Cape, particularly in the City of Cape Town, while three were recorded in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.
Of particular concern is that 13 of the cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September, “which suggests a rapid local transmission of this preventable viral infection”.
The patients range in age from 23 to 50 years, with a median age of 36.5 years. Notably, 18 of those affected are men, with only one woman among the cases.
Recent Case Linked to Travel to Spain
One of the most recent cases involved an individual who travelled to Spain earlier this month and returned to South Africa on 14 September. South African health authorities are in contact with their Spanish counterparts regarding the individual’s laboratory test results to confirm his mpox status.
While the department did not refer to the patients’ sexual orientation or sexual behaviour in connection with this year’s cases, many of those infected with mpox during previous outbreaks in South Africa were gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (MSM).
The department stressed that mpox is a viral disease that can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.
While authorities justifiably seek to avoid stigmatising particular communities, MambaOnline believes it remains important to ensure that LGBTQ+ people have access to accurate information about mpox and potential risks.
Mpox Can Pose Greater Risk to People With Weakened Immune Systems
While mpox is generally a mild disease with a low fatality rate, it can pose a greater risk to people living with immunodeficiencies, particularly those with untreated HIV/AIDS.
In 2024, South Africa recorded three deaths due to mpox, but no mpox-related deaths were reported in 2025 or 2026.
In July 2025, the government announced that it had secured limited doses of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine and the antiviral treatment Tecovirimat as part of its outbreak response strategy to disrupt local transmission.
“The health authorities will decide where and how to use these doses to contain outbreaks,” said Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale, adding that “Vaccination should be accompanied by continued adherence to preventive measures.”
He said: “Individuals and communities are urged to support those diagnosed with mpox and those suspected of being infected with the virus, because stigma and discrimination have the potential to undermine an outbreak response by deterring people from seeking medical care.”
What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?
Mpox symptoms typically include a rash lasting two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
The rash can appear as painful blisters or sores and may affect the face, hands, feet, groin and genital or anal areas.
Although health authorities do not classify mpox as a sexually transmitted infection, the virus can spread through close or intimate physical contact. This includes oral, anal and vaginal sex, as well as touching the genitals or anus of someone with the virus.
Other transmission routes include hugging, kissing, massage or talking in close proximity, as well as contact with contaminated bedding, towels, clothing or sex toys.
What to Do if You Suspect Mpox
If you suspect that you may have mpox, avoid close contact with anyone and visit your local clinic or healthcare provider for assessment.
For more information about mpox, read MambaOnline’s mpox guide for men who have sex with men or visit the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) website.
