The Mpox Virus is receiving renewed attention in South Africa after the Department of Health reported a rapid increase in cases during August and September 2026. The government update listed 19 cases nationally, with most recorded in Cape Town, and urged the public to recognise possible symptoms, avoid close contact when illness is suspected and seek medical care promptly.
The increase calls for awareness rather than panic. Mpox can affect anyone who has close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials. Early testing, responsible isolation, good hygiene and cooperation with healthcare workers can help limit further transmission.
According to the government report, 13 of the cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September 2026, suggesting an active local spread that requires continued surveillance and early detection. SAnews reported the national update on 18 September 2026.
Table of Contents
1. Latest Mpox Case Numbers in South Africa
The Department of Health reported the following geographical distribution:
| Province or area | Reported cases |
| Cape Town, Western Cape | 15 |
| Gauteng | 3 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 1 |
| Total reported | 19 |
Those affected were between 23 and 50 years old, with a median age of 36.5 years. Eighteen were men, and one was a woman.
One of the most recent reports involved a person who travelled to Spain and returned to South Africa on 14 September. At the time of the government statement, South African authorities were communicating with their Spanish counterparts to obtain laboratory results and confirm the individual’s status.
Readers should therefore understand the figure as the total reported in the government update while recognising that confirmation of this particular case was still being followed up.
Case numbers describe the known situation at the time of publication and may change as testing and investigations continue.
2. What the Mpox Virus Is
Mpox is an infectious illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It can spread from one person to another, mainly through close contact. The World Health Organization uses “mpox” as the preferred name for the disease.
Some people experience a relatively mild illness and recover with supportive care, while others can become seriously ill. People with weakened immune systems, including those with advanced HIV disease, as well as pregnant people, newborn babies and children may face a greater risk of severe complications.
The illness should therefore not be dismissed as only a skin condition. Medical assessment is important because symptoms and individual health risks differ. The World Health Organization provides detailed Mpox health guidance.
3. Mpox Virus Symptoms People Should Recognise
The most recognisable sign is a new or unexplained rash, blister or skin lesion. However, a rash may appear with or without other symptoms.
Possible symptoms include:
- Rash or lesions: These may develop on the face, hands, feet, mouth, groin, genitals, anal area or other parts of the body.
- Fever: Some people develop a raised temperature before or around the time the rash appears.
- Headache: This may occur with other flu-like symptoms.
- Muscle and back pain: General body pain can accompany the infection.
- Fatigue: A person may feel unusually tired or weak.
- Swollen lymph nodes: This is also recognised as a possible symptom of Mpox.
Skin lesions may begin as flat red areas before becoming raised bumps. They can then develop into fluid-filled or pus-filled lesions before drying and forming scabs.
The Department of Health stated that symptoms usually appear six to 13 days after exposure, although the possible range is five to 21 days. WHO guidance similarly notes that symptoms can take up to 21 days to develop.
Not everyone develops every symptom, and the number of lesions may vary considerably. A person should not wait for a widespread rash before seeking advice if they have a new unexplained lesion and a possible exposure.
4. How Mpox Spreads
The Mpox virus mainly spreads through close contact with an infected person. This can include:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with a rash, blister, sore or scab.
- Intimate or sexual contact.
- Kissing or other close mouth-to-skin contact.
- Prolonged face-to-face interaction involving infectious respiratory particles.
- Contact with contaminated bedding, clothing, towels or frequently handled objects.
WHO advises that a person with Mpox can remain infectious until all lesions have crusted, the scabs have fallen off and healthy new skin has formed. Internal lesions must also have healed.
Mpox is not limited to one identity, community or sexual orientation. Anyone can become infected through close contact with a person who has the virus. Clear, factual communication is more useful than assumptions about who may be affected.
5. What to Do if Symptoms Develop
Anyone who develops a new unexplained rash or other possible Mpox symptoms—especially after close contact with a confirmed or suspected case—should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
While waiting for medical guidance:
- Avoid close physical and intimate contact with other people.
- Do not share bedding, clothing, towels or personal items.
- Cover lesions where this can be done safely and comfortably.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser.
- Inform the healthcare facility about the symptoms before arrival where possible.
- Follow professional advice regarding testing, isolation and treatment.
People with severe pain, eye involvement, breathing difficulty, confusion, rapidly worsening symptoms or signs of infection around lesions should seek urgent medical attention.
Those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or caring for a young child should ask for medical advice early because their risk may be different.
This information supports awareness but does not replace an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
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6. Practical Ways to Reduce Transmission
Prevention depends on reducing exposure while treating affected people with dignity.
Useful measures include:
- Avoiding direct contact with another person’s unexplained rash or lesions.
- Not sharing towels, bedding, clothing or personal items with someone who may be infected.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces or objects that may be contaminated.
- Washing hands after touching shared items or caring for someone who is unwell.
- Discussing symptoms and possible exposure honestly with close or sexual partners.
- Following public-health instructions after contact with a confirmed case.
- Staying away from close-contact activities when symptoms are present.
Hand hygiene is helpful, but it should be combined with the other precautions. Washing hands alone cannot prevent infection if close contact with infectious lesions continues.
7. Treatment, Vaccines and Medical Care
Many people recover within several weeks with appropriate supportive care, including pain management, hydration and treatment of complications when necessary. Severe illness may require hospital care.
The original government report referred to limited doses in its outbreak response and mentioned tecovirime. It is important to clarify that tecovirimat is an antiviral medicine, not a vaccine.
WHO describes it as an antiviral originally developed for smallpox that may be used for Mpox under specific arrangements, while the CDC also classifies it as a therapeutic for selected patients. CDC clinical guidance explains the role and limitations of tecovirimat.
Mpox vaccines are separate medical products. Decisions about vaccination eligibility, outbreak use and access should be made by South African health authorities.
People should not attempt to obtain or use antiviral medicine without professional assessment and a prescription.
8. Why Stigma Can Undermine the Response
Stigma can discourage people from reporting symptoms, being tested or sharing information with healthcare workers and close contacts. Delayed care gives the virus more opportunity to spread.
A constructive response should focus on symptoms and exposure rather than blame. Families, employers, healthcare workers and communities can support outbreak control by respecting confidentiality, sharing accurate information and encouraging people to seek help early.
Anyone can be affected by Mpox. Treating patients with dignity supports both individual wellbeing and the wider public-health response.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a current monkeypox outbreak?
Yes. Mpox—formerly called monkeypox—continues to circulate internationally in 2026. The World Health Organization reported that 145 countries and territories had recorded confirmed cases between January 2022 and July 2026. Outbreak activity and risk levels differ between countries, so people should follow current guidance from their local health authorities. World Health Organization
How can Mpox be stopped from spreading?
Mpox transmission can be reduced by:
- Avoiding close or skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or lesions.
- Not sharing bedding, towels, clothing or personal items.
- Washing hands regularly with soap or using sanitiser.
- Cleaning and disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces.
- Avoiding intimate contact when symptoms are present.
- Seeking medical advice promptly for an unexplained rash or suspected exposure.
- Following isolation and testing advice from healthcare professionals.
A person with Mpox may remain infectious until all lesions have healed, the scabs have fallen off and healthy skin has formed underneath. World Health Organization
Does monkeypox go away?
Most people recover from Mpox within two to four weeks with supportive care. However, some people can develop severe illness or complications. Pregnant people, young children and people with weakened immune systems—including advanced HIV disease—may face a higher risk of serious illness. Anyone with severe pain, eye symptoms, breathing problems or worsening lesions should seek urgent medical care.
Is monkeypox an STD?
Mpox is not classified only as a sexually transmitted infection. It can spread during sexual activity because sex involves close skin-to-skin contact, but it can also spread through kissing, close face-to-face contact and contaminated materials such as bedding, towels and clothing.
Anyone can contract Mpox through close contact with an infected person, regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status.
Is monkeypox still around in 2026?
Yes. Mpox is still present in 2026 and has not been eliminated. Cases continue to occur in several parts of the world, including Africa and countries outside the continent. Although many people recover fully, continued surveillance, early testing and responsible prevention remain important.
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