South Africa's mpox case count has climbed to 18, prompting the national health department to call for public vigilance, according to eNCA. The announcement was made on Friday, 18 September 2026.
The Western Cape accounts for a significant share of the infections, with the majority recorded in Cape Town, Smile 90.4FM reports. News24 describes the situation in the province as a new outbreak.
In response, Western Cape health authorities have ramped up surveillance and vaccination efforts, according to EWN. The measures are aimed at containing the spread of the virus as infections continue
The rise in cases has drawn attention from multiple outlets across the country, with TimesLIVE reporting that the surge has sparked calls for the public to remain alert.
Mpox is a viral illness that spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically include a rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Health officials have no
The health department's call for vigilance comes as provincial authorities work to track infections and expand access to vaccination in affected areas.
What to watch next: whether the case count continues to rise in the Western Cape and whether other provinces report new infections in the coming days.
Health officials confirm 18 mpox cases and call for public vigilance as Western Cape authorities increase surveillance a