Two people in Sasolburg have tested positive for mpox, with health officials saying both infections are linked to the same source, reports The Citizen.
The development comes amid a wider increase in reported infections across the country, according to the Sedibeng Ster, with the National Department of Health noting South Africa had recorded 26 laboratory-confirmed cases since the start of 2026.
The Free State Department of Health said the the two Sasolburg cases were linked to the same source, and that it was following up with a small number of close contacts, with assessments and testing under way.
The first patient was reported to be clinically stable, isolating at home and receiving appropriate medical care.
Cases increase nationally
The latest cases follow a rise in infections reported earlier this year, particularly in the Western Cape. Of the 26 confirmed cases recorded nationally by 18 October, 18 were in the Western Cape, three in Gauteng, two in the Eastern Cape, two in the Free State and one in KZN.
South Africa began a targeted vaccination programme in July 2025, focusing initially on Gauteng, the Western Cape and KZN, the provinces most affected at the time.
The Health Department had received about 10 500 doses of the Imvanex vaccine through a donation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The rollout prioritised people at higher risk of infection, including close contacts of confirmed cases and people with multiple sexual partners.
The Citizen article – 2 mpox cases linked to same source in Free State (Open access)
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