South Africa has recorded four additional laboratory confirmed Mpox cases, taking the national total from 18 to 22 as of 22 September 2026. Gauteng has recorded three cases, while 18 are in the Western Cape and one is in KwaZulu Natal.
The National Department of Health said the latest infections include cases linked to international travel, while health authorities continue contact tracing and surveillance to identify possible transmission. Gauteng health officials have activated outbreak response teams across all five health districts and currently have 586 Mpox vaccine doses in stock.
Where South Africa’s 22 Mpox cases have been recorded
The Western Cape currently accounts for most of the confirmed infections, with 18 of South Africa’s 22 cases. Gauteng has three (1) confirmed cases, and KwaZulu-Natal has recorded one (1).
According to the National Department of Health, all but one of the confirmed patients are male. The people affected are between the ages of 23 and 50.
The latest increase follows a warning issued by the department last week, when South Africa had recorded 18 confirmed cases and one probable case by 17 September.
At the time, 13 cases had been recorded between 13 August and 17 September. The department said this pattern indicated rapid local transmission and called for continued surveillance, early detection and public cooperation.
New Mpox cases include infections linked to international travel
One of the latest confirmed cases involves a 47 year old Cape Town man who travelled to Spain earlier in September.
The patient had previously been classified as a probable case while South African authorities waited for laboratory results from Spanish health authorities. A positive result has since been confirmed and the case has been added to the country’s laboratory confirmed total.
The other three additional cases include two imported infections involving German and Norwegian citizens, according to the Department of Health.
The department is working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the World Health Organization and provincial health authorities on response measures, including contact tracing and strengthened surveillance.
Gauteng has three confirmed Mpox cases
Gauteng residents are being urged to remain alert after three confirmed infections were recorded in the province.
The Gauteng Department of Health said outbreak response teams are active across all five health districts. These teams include officials working in communicable disease control, immunisation, environmental health, infection prevention, health promotion and communication.
Mpox cases are monitored daily through the Notifiable Medical Conditions surveillance system to help health authorities identify, report, investigate and follow up suspected and confirmed infections.
The province is also using wastewater surveillance as an additional early warning mechanism. Gauteng health authorities said contingency plans cover surveillance, case management, infection prevention, communication and the mobilisation of resources.
Gauteng has 586 Mpox vaccine doses available
Gauteng currently has 586 Mpox vaccine doses in stock, according to the provincial health department.
The vaccines are stored in dedicated freezers at regional pharmacies because they require specialised cold storage. Clinics can request doses when an identified need arises.
Vaccination is not currently being offered routinely to everyone. Health authorities determine how available doses are used according to factors including individual risk, exposure and outbreak response requirements.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said the province is also engaging with the National Department of Health to ensure that additional vaccine doses can be accessed if required.
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms can vary, but health authorities have identified several signs residents should watch for.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen glands
- A new or unexplained rash
- Skin lesions or sores
The rash or lesions can develop on different parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, mouth and genital area.
Skin lesions can initially appear as flat red spots before developing into raised bumps, fluid filled blisters and pus filled lesions. They may eventually form crusted scabs.
According to the National Department of Health, symptoms generally develop within six to 13 days after exposure, although the period can range from five to 21 days.
How Mpox spreads
Mpox spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person.
Transmission can occur through direct skin contact with a person’s rash or lesions, as well as through contact with body fluids. Contaminated items such as bedding, clothing and towels used by an infected person can also spread the virus.
The National Department of Health has also said transmission can occur through respiratory droplets during prolonged close contact, including through uncovered coughing or sneezing.
Health authorities advise anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to avoid close physical contact with other people and seek medical attention.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Gauteng residents do not need to have travelled internationally to be alert for Mpox symptoms. The National Department of Health has previously confirmed evidence of local transmission in South Africa, while cases have now been identified across three provinces.
Anyone who has had close contact with a confirmed Mpox case during the previous 21 days should monitor for symptoms.
If symptoms develop, residents should seek medical attention promptly and tell healthcare workers about any known exposure to a confirmed or suspected case. Early reporting allows health officials to test suspected infections and begin contact tracing where necessary.
Residents should also avoid sharing potentially contaminated personal items such as towels, bedding and clothing with someone who has Mpox symptoms.
The Gauteng Department of Health says it will continue monitoring infections and strengthening its response where necessary, with provincial teams already active across all five districts.
Why health officials are calling for continued vigilance
The increase from 18 confirmed cases on 17 September to 22 by 22 September means surveillance remains important as health authorities establish how individual infections are connected.
The National Department of Health said the identification of transmission clusters and infections across multiple provinces requires continued public cooperation, early detection and surveillance.
Officials have also stressed that anyone can contract Mpox. Risk is linked to exposure to the virus, particularly close physical contact with an infected person.
The department has urged people to avoid stigma against those diagnosed with or suspected of having Mpox, warning that discrimination can discourage people from seeking medical care and interfere with outbreak response efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Mpox cases are there in South Africa?
South Africa had recorded 22 laboratory confirmed Mpox cases as of 22 September 2026. Eighteen were in the Western Cape, three in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu Natal.
How many Mpox cases are in Gauteng?
Three confirmed Mpox cases have been recorded in Gauteng. Provincial outbreak response teams are active across all five health districts.
Does Gauteng have Mpox vaccines?
Yes. The Gauteng Department of Health says 586 doses are currently in stock. They are stored at regional pharmacies and can be requested by clinics based on identified need.
What should I do if I think I have Mpox?
Anyone who develops symptoms, particularly after close contact with a confirmed case during the previous 21 days, should seek medical attention promptly and tell healthcare workers about the possible exposure.
Can Mpox spread through bedding and clothing?
Yes. The virus can spread through contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing and towels used by an infected person, as well as through close physical contact with infected skin lesions or body fluids.
Gauteng residents urged to watch for symptoms
With three confirmed cases in Gauteng and the national total now at 22, health authorities are continuing surveillance, contact tracing and outbreak response measures.
Residents who develop an unexplained rash, skin lesions or other Mpox symptoms after possible exposure should seek medical care early and disclose their exposure history to healthcare workers.
The National Department of Health said it will continue monitoring the outbreak and provide further updates as new information becomes available.
