The Northern Cape Department of Health is urging residents to remain vigilant against mpox, despite no confirmed cases currently reported in the province.

The department says South Africa has recorded 18 confirmed mpox cases and one probable case as of 17 September, with confirmed cases reported in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Residents are advised to watch for symptoms including fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, skin rashes, blisters or lesions, and swollen glands.

The department says mpox can spread through close physical contact with an infected person, including contact with skin lesions, as well as through contaminated clothing, bedding and towels.

N orthern Cape residents who develop symptoms, particularly after close contact with a suspected or confirmed case, are urged to seek medical assessment, avoid close contact with others, practise good hand hygiene and help prevent stigma.