Health authorities have confirmed another case of Mpox in South Africa, with a 38-year-old man in Cape Town testing positive for the virus. This brings the total number of confirmed Mpox cases in the country to 25, with the Western Cape now accounting for two cases.
The Department of Health says the patient exhibited typical Mpox symptoms last week, including lesions on his face, trunk, and genitals, as well as headaches, muscle pain, and a sore throat. The man, who had no recent travel history or contact with known Mpox patients, was advised to self-isolate at home while awaiting his test results. He was confirmed positive on 6 September.
National Institute for Communicable Diseases: Updates on Mpox
The provincial outbreak response team was activated, with contact tracing efforts currently underway. Officials have urged individuals who may have been in contact with the patient to cooperate with health officials during screening and monitoring.
The departmental spokesperson, Foster Mohale, reiterated that the risk of widespread transmission remains low, but continues to emphasise the importance of public vigilance. This is aferr Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“Anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race. Some of the common symptoms of mpox include a rash which may last for 2–4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes). The painful rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, etc.”
The latest case brings renewed attention to the Mpox outbreak, which has affected three provinces in South Africa. Gauteng remains the most impacted with 12 cases, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 11 cases. In total, the country has recorded three deaths linked to Mpox, and 22 recoveries.
Health officials are working with international partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO, to ensure adequate resources for treatment and vaccines, to prevent further outbreaks. The Department of Health has called on the public to remain vigilant and to maintain high standards of personal hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission.
Meanwhile, Mohale says the recently diagnosed Mpox patient is in stable condition and remains under home isolation. He says health officials are monitoring his progress.
