South Africa has confirmed three new cases of Mpox (monkeypox) in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, with the Department of Health urging the public to remain cautious but not panic. The first case, diagnosed on February 21, 2025, involved a 30-year-old male patient with a recent travel history to Kampala, Uganda. He was diagnosed with Clade I Mpox, a strain currently circulating in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The other two cases, a 30-year-old male and a 27-year-old female, were identified through contact tracing by health response teams in the area. These are the first confirmed cases of Mpox in South Africa this year, following the last recorded case in September 2024.
Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, reassured the public that the risk of widespread transmission remains low in the country, adding that Mpox is typically a mild, self-limiting disease with a low fatality rate. Symptoms include a rash that can last between two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle and back pain, swollen glands, and low energy. Although the disease can be uncomfortable, the majority of people recover without severe complications.
Despite the low risk of a large outbreak, Mohale urged people to be vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms, particularly if they have had recent travel to areas with ongoing Mpox outbreaks or close contact with known cases.
The Department has also emphasized that South Africa has a limited stock of Mpox-specific vaccines, which are used for severe cases. They advise everyone to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially before eating or after using the bathroom. Safer sex and personal hygiene practices are also critical in preventing further spread.
While Mpox remains a concern, the Department of Health stressed that there is no cause for widespread alarm, and public awareness and caution will help control the situation.
