South Africa: 18 confirmed cases of mpox, 15 concentrated in Cape Town

South Africa has reported 18 confirmed cases of mpox and one probable case as of September 17, 2026, the Department of Health announced on Friday. Fifteen cases are concentrated in the Western Cape province, primarily in Cape Town, while three are reported in Gauteng.

The department noted that 13 of the cases were recorded between August 13 and September 17, indicating a rapid local transmission. The affected individuals are aged between 23 and 50, with a median age of 36.5 years.

The probable case involves a person who returned from Spain on September 14. This individual was tested in Spain after being informed of their probable status, and South African authorities are in communication with their Spanish counterparts to confirm the result.

Mpox is primarily transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. Authorities are urging individuals experiencing fever, muscle aches, significant fatigue, or skin lesions to seek medical attention promptly and to avoid close contact with others.

The government has secured a limited number of doses of the MVA-BN vaccine and Tecovirimat, with support from the World Health Organization. The department has not yet announced a specific plan for their deployment.