Mpox surges in SA and 11 African countries

South Africa is seeing a surge in mpox infections, with at least 18 new cases reported – mostly in the Western Cape – while infections across 11 African countries have also alarmed health authorities, leading to the WHO extending its standing recommendations on the disease until August 2027, reports a llAfrica .

In South Africa, the National Department of Health has issued a public warning for people to remain vigilant as laboratory-confirmed cases rise, with spokesperson Foster Mohale saying the situation requires “immediate and sustained public co-operation to contain”.

News24 reports that the majority (15) of these cases were reported in Cape Town, while three cases were recorded in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Of concern is that 13 of the total cases were reported between 13 August and 17 September, suggesting a rapid local transmission of this preventable viral infection,” said Mohale.