Mpox alert in Pietermaritzburg: 40-year-old man tests positive
A 40-year-old man from the uMgungundlovu District has been diagnosed with Mpox, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has confirmed.
This marks the second laboratory-confirmed case of Mpox in the province since January 2025.
South Africa has recorded 12 Mpox cases so far this year, with eight reported in Gauteng and two in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the department, the man first sought medical attention at Eastboom Clinic on October 16, 2025, after showing symptoms consistent with Mpox, including fever, rash, headache and muscle pain.
He was transferred to Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg for further assessment and isolation.
A specimen collected on 21 October was sent to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which confirmed clade 1b Mpox on October 24.
The department said the patient remains in isolation under close medical supervision at Northdale Hospital and is receiving appropriate care.
No secondary cases or transmission have been detected, and the risk to the general public remains very low. Four close contacts have been identified and are being monitored according to national public health protocols.
Following the confirmation, a descriptive investigation was launched in the uMgungundlovu District.
The department said it continues to work closely with the NICD and other partners to ensure “robust surveillance, rapid response, and effective containment of any potential spread.”
“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health wishes to inform members of the public that a laboratory-confirmed case of Mpox has been recorded in the uMgungundlovu District,” the department said.
It assured residents that there is no need for alarm, explaining that Mpox is a rare viral illness that spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person.
Health authorities said healthcare workers are well-prepared to manage such cases and that all necessary infection prevention and control measures have been implemented.
The department urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected symptoms, such as fever, rash, headaches, swollen lymph nodes or body aches, to their nearest healthcare facility.
“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health remains committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all residents and will continue to provide updates as necessary.”
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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