NATIONAL NEWS - The Department of Health has confirmed four new mpox cases in South Africa, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases reported since 1 January 2026 to 26.
The cases have been recorded across five provinces, with the Western Cape accounting for the majority at 18. Gauteng has reported three cases, while the Eastern Cape and Free State have each recorded two. KwaZulu-Natal has reported one case.
Of the 18 cases in the Western Cape, two involved foreign nationals visiting South Africa and were classified as imported cases. The remaining 16 were linked to local transmission.
According to the department, 25 of the 26 confirmed cases involve men aged between 23 and 50, with a median age of 37.
Clade and lineage information is available for 17 cases. Of these, 13 are associated with the Clade Ib mpox virus and four with Clade IIb.
The department has urged the public to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.
Symptoms of mpox can include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue.
People who have been in close contact with someone with confirmed or suspected mpox should inform healthcare workers and monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.
“If symptoms develop, they should avoid close contact with others and seek medical attention,” the department said.
Mpox is a preventable and treatable viral infection. The public is advised to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has an mpox-like rash and not to share bedding, towels, clothing or other personal items with affected individuals.
Healthcare workers have also been urged to remain alert to possible cases and follow infection prevention and control protocols when treating people suspected of having the virus.
The Department of Health said it would continue working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, provincial health authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, identify cases, trace contacts and improve public awareness to limit further transmission. Source: SAnews.gov.za
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