On 21 February, a case of mpox was confirmed in a patient from Gauteng Province. This is the first case of mpox recorded in South Africa for 2025, and the first since August 2024. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the patient has been infected with Clade I mpox virus, which is currently circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has been reported in travellers returning to many locations around the globe. In this case, the patient had a recent travel history to Kampala, Uganda which would explain the source of the exposure to the virus. Through contact tracing and monitoring a further two cases of mpox was linked to this case and confirmed by laboratory testing. Both cases involve close contacts of the index case. All three cases are now recovering and self-isolating at home.
Globally mpox continues to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern , as well as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security in Africa (Africa CDC, 2024). The mpox outbreak is ongoing in thirteen out of 22 countries in Africa, with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo currently reporting the highest number of cases. Outside of Africa, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Mauritius, Pakistan, Philippines, Sweden, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, The United Arab Emirates (UAE), United States (U.S), United Kingdom (UK), South Sudan, United Arab Emirates and have each reported one confirmed case of clade I mpox. No additional secondary cases have been reported following the initial cases excluding those in the United Kingdom.
South Africa remains at risk for introduction of mpox cases through travellers returning from various locations around the globe where mpox is being reported. Mpox is typically a mild and self-limiting disease with a low case fatality rate. More severe disease, and fatal outcomes, are typically found in persons living with immunodeficiencies, in particular HIV/AIDS. For more information on mpox and how the spread of the disease can be prevented, visit the NICD website at www.nicd.ac.za.
