South Africa reports rise in mpox, most in Cape Town

The South Africa Department of Health reports a rapid increase in laboratory-confirmed mpox cases in the past few weeks. As of 17 September 2026, the country has recorded 18 confirmed and one probable case, prompting officials to urge the public to remain vigilant of mpox symptoms.

The majority (15) of these cases were reported in the Western Cape, City of Cape Town in particular, 3 in Gauteng and 1 in KwaZulu-Natal. Of concern is that 13 of the total cases were recorded between 13 August and 17 September, which suggests a rapid local transmission of this preventable viral infection. All cases/patients range in age from 23 to 50 years, with a median age of 36.5 years, and 18 of them are males with only 1 female.