South Africa records four new Mpox cases, total rises to 26

The Department of Health says South Africa has recorded four new Mpox infections , bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 26 since the beginning of the year.

The Department says 25 of the 26 cases are male, with ages ranging from 23 to 50 years.

The first case of Mpox has been reported in Sasolburg in the Free State.

Mpox is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. https://t.co/DNoIfehnHp https://t.co/nLOT2geiL7 — SABC News (@SABCNews) October 16, 2026 The Western Cape accounts for the majority of infections, with 18 cases recorded.

Of these, 16 are linked to local transmission, while two were imported cases involving foreign nationals visiting South Africa.

Department’s spokesperson Foster Mohale says Gauteng has recorded three cases, while the Eastern Cape and Free State have reported two each.

KwaZulu-Natal has one confirmed case.

“The Department urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to seek healthcare promptly if they develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue.

Individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected mpox case should 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.” VIDEO | Mpox cases on the rise in SA