The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) says it is ready to respond to any Mpox eventuality and has comprehensive measures in place to manage the disease.
This follows three confirmed laboratory cases in the province reported on 18 September 2026 by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
In a media statement issued on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, the Department said it continues to monitor the Mpox situation and is strengthening preparedness measures across the province to ensure that any suspected or confirmed cases are detected early, investigated and appropriately managed.
The Department said Functional Outbreak Response Teams are in place across all five health districts. These teams are supported by provincial leads from Communicable Disease Control, Immunisation, Environmental Health, Infection Prevention and Control, Health Promotion, Communication and other relevant programmes.
Furthermore, Mpox cases are monitored daily through the Notifiable Medical Conditions surveillance system to support the early identification, notification, investigation and follow-up of suspected and confirmed cases. Wastewater surveillance is also used as a complementary early-warning mechanism.
The Department said it has contingency plans covering surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, coordination, resource mobilisation and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. A provincial risk calendar is also used to identify periods or circumstances of increased transmission risk and to guide facility readiness, surveillance strengthening and proactive response measures.
The province said it continuously monitors national and global Mpox trends, including changes in transmission patterns and emerging variants, to strengthen its response structures and public health measures where necessary.
About The Author
