The Department of Health has confirmed four new mpox cases in South Africa, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases reported since 1 January 2026 to 26.
The cases are spread across five provinces, with the Western Cape recording the highest number at 18. Gauteng has reported three cases, while the Eastern Cape and Free State have recorded two each. KwaZulu-Natal has reported one case.
Of the 18 cases in the Western Cape, two involved foreign nationals visiting South Africa who contracted the virus abroad, while the remaining 16 were linked to local transmission.
According to the department, 25 of the 26 confirmed cases involve men aged between 23 and 50, with a median age of 37.
Clade and lineage information is available for 17 cases. Of these, 13 are associated with the Clade Ib mpox virus and four with Clade IIb.
The department has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms, including a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue.
People who have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected mpox case are advised to inform healthcare workers and monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.
“Should symptoms develop, they should avoid close contact with others and seek medical attention,” the department said in a statement.
Mpox is a preventable and treatable viral infection. The public is advised to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has an mpox-like rash and not to share bedding, towels, clothing or other personal items with affected individuals.
Healthcare workers have also been urged to remain alert to possible cases and follow infection prevention and control protocols when treating suspected infections.
