South Africa reports rapid increase in Mpox cases

South African health authorities have issued an alert following a rapid increase in Mpox cases. As of September 17, 2026, the country has recorded 18 confirmed cases and one probable case. Notably, 13 of these infections occurred within a short window between August 13 and September 17, indicating accelerated local transmission.

The outbreak is primarily concentrated in urban areas. The Western Cape province, specifically the City of Cape Town, has reported 15 cases. Additional cases were identified in Gauteng (3) and KwaZulu-Natal (1). The affected individuals are adults aged 23 to 50, with a median age of 36.5 years; the majority of confirmed cases are male.

One recent case involves an individual who traveled to Spain earlier in September and returned to South Africa on September 14. Health officials are coordinating with Spanish counterparts to confirm laboratory results for this individual. Authorities emphasize that the virus spreads through close skin-to-skin contact and contaminated materials, urging the public to remain vigilant for symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and skin rashes.