A new case of Mpox has been confirmed in Western Cape, as South Africa sees a steady rise in infections. The patient, a 32-year-old from Cape Town, is among two newly reported cases, with the second being a 45-year-old from Johannesburg.

Both individuals have no recent travel history to regions experiencing mpox outbreaks.

According to National Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale, “the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease is gradually rising in the country”. This brings the total to ten confirmed infections since the start of 2025.

Since last year, a total of three cases has been detected in the Western Cape.

The Department of Health has launched a targeted vaccination programme in the most affected provinces – Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The initiative aims to curb the spread of the “preventable and manageable disease,” with vaccines available at selected public health facilities, travel clinics, and private providers.

“Vaccination helps to control the spread of this preventable and manageable disease, with vaccinated individuals being protected from becoming infected and from developing severe complications,” said department spokesperson, Foster Mohale.

Mohale said South Africa has received approximately 10,500 doses of the Imvanex Mpox vaccine, donated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control. The vaccine, authorised by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority under a special import process, has been tested locally for safety and efficacy.

He said high-risk groups – including individuals with multiple sexual partners, those in close contact with confirmed cases, travellers to outbreak regions, and in certain cases, pregnant women and children over two years old – will be prioritised.

Common post-vaccine side effects include redness, swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, headache, and fever. These are usually mild and short-lived.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant for symptoms and consult healthcare providers for screening, testing, or vaccination eligibility.