South Africa has recorded a sharp increase in laboratory-confirmed mpox cases, with the Department of Health warning the public to remain vigilant as signs point to rapid local transmission of the viral infection.

As of Thursday, September 17, the country had recorded 18 confirmed cases and one probable case, with the majority reported in the Western Cape.

Fifteen cases have been recorded in the Western Cape, particularly in the City of Cape Town, while three cases were reported in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads mainly through close physical contact with someone who has the virus. Anyone can get it.

The department said 13 of the cases were recorded between August 13 and September 17, raising concerns about the pace of transmission.

The patients range in age from 23 to 50, with a median age of 36.5 years. Of the 19 confirmed and probable cases, 18 are males, and one is female.

Departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale urged people to take symptoms seriously and seek medical attention if they suspect they may have been exposed to the virus.

“Mpox can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status,” said Mohale.

The department said one of the latest cases involves a person who travelled to Spain earlier this month and returned to South Africa on September 14.

The individual underwent testing in Spain after being informed of his probable case status. South African health authorities are in contact with their Spanish counterparts regarding the laboratory results to determine whether the person has mpox.

The department said people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or who is suspected of having the virus, should monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 21 days following exposure.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and a rash or skin lesions.

The lesions can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitals and other parts of the body. They typically begin as flat red spots before developing into bumps, fluid-filled blisters and pus-filled lesions, which can eventually rupture and form crusted scabs.

According to the department, symptoms usually develop between six and 13 days after exposure, although the incubation period can range from five to 21 days.

Anyone experiencing symptoms, particularly after close contact with a confirmed or suspected case, has been advised to seek medical attention immediately and avoid close contact with other people.

Mpox is mainly spread through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact with rashes or lesions.

The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing and towels used by an infected person.

Transmission may also occur through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, including when an infected person coughs or sneezes without covering their mouth and nose.

The department has urged people to remain particularly vigilant in households, healthcare settings and close social networks.

Regular handwashing or the use of hand sanitiser is among the measures recommended to reduce the risk of transmission.

As part of its response to the outbreak, the government, with support from the World Health Organization, has secured limited quantities of the MVA-BN mpox vaccine and Tecovirimat treatment.

Health authorities will determine where and how the limited supplies will be deployed to help contain outbreaks and disrupt local transmission.

The department stressed that vaccination would need to be accompanied by continued preventive measures.

It also warned against stigma and discrimination towards people diagnosed with mpox or those suspected of having the virus.

Mohale said communities had an important role to play in ensuring that people felt safe seeking medical care and reporting symptoms.

“Stigma and discrimination can discourage people from seeking healthcare and ultimately undermine efforts to contain the outbreak,” he said.

The department is calling for continued public cooperation, early detection and surveillance as health authorities work to prevent further spread of mpox in South Africa.

Quick Facts on How to Prevent It

• Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox symptoms.
• Don’t touch their sores or rash.
• Don’t share towels, bedding, clothing or other personal items with an infected person.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
• Avoid prolonged close face-to-face contact with someone who may have mpox.
• If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and seek medical attention promptly.