South Africa records rise in mpox cases, most in Western Cape

South Africa has recorded 18 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases and one probable case, with most infections reported in the Western Cape.

The Department of Health raised concern after 13 of the 19 confirmed and probable cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September.

Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the increase suggests rapid local transmission and urged the public to remain alert for symptoms.

Number of cases

Of the 19 cases under the department’s count, 15 are in the Western Cape, mainly Cape Town, three are in Gauteng and one is in KwaZulu-Natal.

The patients are between 23 and 50 years old, with a median age of 36.5. Eighteen are men and one is a woman.

One of the most recent cases involves a person who travelled to Spain earlier this month and returned to South Africa on 14 September.

The person underwent testing in Spain after being informed of their probable case status. South African health authorities are awaiting the laboratory result from their Spanish counterparts.

What is mpox?

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

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It can spread from person to person through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact, as well as through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects.

While many people recover within a few weeks, the illness can become severe in some cases, particularly among people with weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Mpox symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and a rash or skin lesions.

The lesions can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals or other parts of the body. Symptoms generally develop within five to 21 days after exposure.

The virus spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact with lesions. It can also spread through contaminated items such as bedding, clothing and towels.

The department urged anyone who develops symptoms, particularly after contact with a confirmed or suspected case, to seek medical attention and avoid close contact with others.

Mpox has been a Category 1 notifiable medical condition in South Africa since 2023, requiring suspected and confirmed cases to be reported to health authorities.