JOHANNESBURG - The Health Department is urging the public to remain vigilant following a rise in Mpox cases.
As of Thursday, 18 cases had been confirmed, with one additional probable case reported.
The majority of confirmed cases, 15, have been recorded in Cape Town, while three cases are in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.
Thirteen cases were reported in just one month, pointing to rapid local transmission and prompting renewed calls for caution.
Those affected range in age from 23 to 50 years.
Mpox can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain and fatigue.
One of the more recognisable signs is a rash or skin lesions, which can appear on the face, hands, feet and other parts of the body.
The virus is transmitted mainly through close physical contact with an infected person.
It can also spread through contact with contaminated materials, including bedding, clothing and towels.
Health authorities are urging anyone who develops symptoms associated with Mpox to seek urgent medical attention.