Health provides update on mpox cases in South Africa

The Department of Health confirms additional laboratory-confirmed mpox cases, raising the total number from 18 to 22 confirmed cases as of 22 September 2026.

One of these cases involves a 47-year-old male from Cape Town who travelled to Spain earlier this month. This individual was previously classified as a probable case pending laboratory results from Spanish health authorities. Following confirmation of a positive test, the case has been reclassified as laboratory-confirmed and included in the updated count.

The other three cases include two imported infections involving a German and a Norwegian citizen. Of these 22 confirmed cases, 18 are in the Western Cape, three in Gauteng, and one in KwaZulu-Natal. All patients are male except one.

The Department, in collaboration with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners, is supporting the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health in implementing response measures, including contact tracing and enhanced surveillance.

The public is reminded that mpox symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and a rash or skin lesions that can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or other areas of the body. Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case within the past 21 days and develops symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare providers of their exposure history.

While most cases remain concentrated in the Western Cape, the identification of transmission clusters and cases across multiple provinces highlights the need for sustained public cooperation, early detection, and continued surveillance to prevent further spread.

The Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as new information becomes available.

Enquiries:
Mr Foster Mohale
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 072 432 3792
E-mail: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za

Mr Sello Lediga
Health Ministry Spokesperson
Cell: 082 353 9859
E-mail: Sello.Lediga@health.gov.za

#GovZAUpdates

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