By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa has confirmed four new mpox cases, bringing the total reported this year to 26, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday.
The 26 confirmed cases have been recorded across five provinces: Gauteng (three), KwaZulu-Natal (one), Free State (two), Eastern Cape (two) and the Western Cape (18).
According to the department, two of the Western Cape cases involved foreign nationals visiting South Africa, while the remaining 16 were linked to local transmission.
Of the 26 confirmed cases, 25 are men aged between 23 and 50, with a median age of 27 years.
The department said clade and lineage information are available for 17 cases. Of these, 13 have been linked to Clade Ib mpox, while four were identified as Clade IIb.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as a rash, muscle aches, headaches or swollen lymph nodes.
Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the latest figures highlighted the need for continued public awareness and early reporting of symptoms.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and seek healthcare promptly if they develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue,” Mohale said.
Mohale emphasised that people who may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case should closely monitor their health.
Hand hygiene is an effective way to prevent transmission of the disease. The health department reminded people to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially before eating or touching the face and after using the bathroom.