Mpox cases rise rapidly in South Africa with Cape Town recording majority

South Africans are being urged to remain vigilant as the country experiences a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed mpox cases, with most infections recorded in Cape Town.

As of Thursday, 17 September, South Africa had recorded 18 confirmed mpox cases and one probable case.

Thirteen cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September, indicating a sharp increase over just more than a month.

The Western Cape accounts for 15 of the confirmed cases, with most recorded in Cape Town, while Gauteng has recorded three confirmed cases.

The one probable case has been reported in KwaZulu-Natal.

Where have mpox cases been recorded?

The current geographic breakdown is:

• Western Cape: 15 confirmed cases, predominantly in Cape Town
• Gauteng: Three confirmed cases
• KwaZulu-Natal: One probable case

Patients range in age from 23 to 50 years, with a median age of 36.5 years. Of the 19 confirmed and probable cases, 18 involve men.

Health authorities have intensified contact tracing and screening as they respond to the increase in infections.

One of the recent cases involves a person who returned from Spain, with local teams coordinating international verification.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

People are being encouraged to remain alert for symptoms associated with mpox.

These include:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Back pain
• Fatigue or low energy
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A painful rash or skin lesions that can resemble blisters or pimples

Skin lesions can appear on different parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet or genitals.

What should you do if you think you have mpox?

People who believe they have been exposed to mpox or develop symptoms are advised to seek medical attention.

The National Department of Health has urged people experiencing symptoms, including those without a history of international travel, to seek healthcare if they have also had close contact with a known mpox patient.

Mpox is a notifiable medical condition in South Africa, and laboratory testing is available through the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and private pathology services.

Health authorities have also previously cautioned against stigma and discrimination surrounding mpox, warning that this could discourage people from seeking medical attention.

With cases increasing rapidly over recent weeks, South Africans are being encouraged to remain aware of the symptoms and seek medical care when exposure or infection is suspected.

Read Inbound SA online