South Africa has recorded four additional mpox infections, bringing the national total to 26 since the beginning of 2026, with the Western Cape accounting for the overwhelming majority of confirmed cases, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Department of Health has urged the public to remain alert to symptoms and seek medical attention early, as health authorities continue efforts to identify infections and prevent further transmission. Of the 26 confirmed cases, 18 have been recorded in the Western Cape, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and public awareness in the province.
The latest figures show that mpox cases have been detected in five provinces, with the Western Cape reporting significantly more infections than the rest of the country. Gauteng has recorded three cases, while the Eastern Cape and Free State have reported two each. KwaZulu-Natal has one confirmed case.
According to the Department of Health, 16 of the Western Cape’s 18 cases are linked to local transmission. The other two involved foreign nationals who contracted the virus outside South Africa.
The figures indicate that local transmission is a key concern for health authorities, making early detection and the identification of people who may have been exposed important parts of the response.
⚠️ Mpox cases are on the rise in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Mpox can affect anyone, so knowing how it spreads and what symptoms to look out for can help you protect yourself and others.
👀#StayInformed
#Mpox #SexualHealth https://t.co/OsvIpdS3lN— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) October 3, 2026
Who is most affected?
Of the 26 people diagnosed with mpox, 25 are reportedly male. Their ages range from 23 to 50, with a median age of 37. Laboratory information on the virus’s clade and lineage is available for 17 cases. Of these, 13 are associated with Clade Ib and four with Clade IIb.
These classifications help health authorities understand which variants are involved in the outbreak and support efforts to monitor how the virus is spreading.
Symptoms to watch for
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale has urged people not to ignore possible signs of infection.
‘We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and seek healthcare promptly if they develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue.’
– Foster Mohale, Department of Health spokesperson
Mpox can spread through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Contact with contaminated bedding, towels, clothing and other personal items can also pose a risk.
Anyone who develops a suspicious rash or other symptoms should seek medical advice, particularly if they have recently been in close contact with someone who may have the virus. People who have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case are advised to 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,’ Mohale said.
Prevention remains a priority
The Department of Health says mpox is preventable and treatable, and is urging South Africans to take precautions to reduce the risk of infection. Avoiding close contact with anyone who has an mpox-like rash and not sharing personal items with an infected person are among the recommended measures.
Healthcare workers have also been urged to remain alert to possible cases and follow infection prevention and control procedures when assessing patients. The department is working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), provincial health authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, identify new infections and trace contacts.
With most confirmed cases concentrated in the Western Cape, public awareness and timely reporting of symptoms remain important tools in limiting further spread.
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