Health Department raises alarm over rising Mpox Cases
Mpox spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals, skin lesions and contaminated items such as clothing, bedding and towels.
The Department of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant following a rise in mpox infections across South Africa.
As of 17 September, the country had recorded 18 confirmed cases and one probable case, with 15 cases reported in the Western Cape, three in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.
Thirteen cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September, raising concerns about local transmission. The affected individuals are aged between 23 and 50, with 18 men and one woman among the reported cases.
One recent case involves an individual who travelled to Spain and returned to South Africa on 14 September. Authorities are liaising with Spanish officials to confirm the person’s mpox status.
The department said symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and skin rashes or lesions.
Symptoms typically appear between six and 13 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days.
Mpox spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals, skin lesions and contaminated items such as clothing, bedding and towels.
The government, with support from the World Health Organization, has secured limited mpox medical countermeasures to support its outbreak response.
The public is urged to seek medical attention if symptoms develop, avoid close contact with others and maintain good hand hygiene.
The department also warned that stigma and discrimination could discourage people from seeking treatment and hinder efforts to contain the outbreak.
