South Africa: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Mpox — clusters in Western Cape with cases also in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal
South Africa’s National Department of Health reported an updated count of 22 laboratory‑confirmed mpox cases as of 22 September 2026, with 18 cases in the Western Cape, three in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu‑Natal; some infections were imported from travel abroad. South Africa DoH media statement. The Department and the NICD say response activities focus on enhanced surveillance and contact tracing in affected areas; no national entry screening has been announced in that statement. DoH media statement. Travelers should know mpox spreads mainly via close physical contact with infectious lesions or contaminated materials; public guidance emphasises early medical assessment for compatible symptoms and advising clinicians about travel/exposure history. DoH media statement.
Measles and rubella — national increases and provincial clusters
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports a rise in measles across multiple provinces during 2026 and ongoing rubella activity; NICD’s weekly surveillance (data accessed 18 October 2026) shows 6,363 laboratory‑confirmed measles cases reported nationally from 29 December 2025 through 18 October 2026 and 911 laboratory‑confirmed rubella cases from 29 December 2025 through 11 October 2026, with clusters in provinces including Western Cape and Gauteng. NICD weekly measles & rubella surveillance. Measles remains highly contagious; NICD materials stress routine childhood immunization and prompt investigation of febrile rash illnesses. Travelers with incomplete measles immunization planning travel to South Africa (or who will spend time with children or in health settings) should consult official vaccine guidance and their travel‑health provider. NICD guidance.
Malaria — large number of travel‑related cases diagnosed in Gauteng (early‑2026 spike)
Surveillance and public reporting indicate a marked surge in malaria cases in Gauteng early in 2026 (414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths in Jan–Mar 2026), with health authorities and academic experts concluding most infections were acquired during travel to nearby malaria‑endemic provinces or neighbouring countries after heavy rains and floods. NICD statement (22 Apr 2026) and analysis. Daily Maverick analysis (26 Oct 2026). NICD has emphasised that most Gauteng cases were imported rather than the result of established local transmission, and advises travellers to malaria‑risk areas within South Africa and neighbouring countries to follow national prevention guidance, including consideration of chemoprophylaxis where appropriate and prompt testing for fever after travel. NICD guidance.
Avian influenza (HPAI H5/H7) — outbreaks in poultry and wild birds across provinces
Regional animal‑health surveillance and FAO reporting document multiple highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5Nx and H7Nx) events in South Africa during 2026 affecting poultry and many wild‑bird species across provinces including Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North West and Western Cape; FAO’s Sub‑Saharan HPAI situational update (8 Oct 2026) lists South Africa among affected countries and reports no new human cases in that update. FAO HPAI situation update (8 Oct 2026). Veterinary and industry responses reported during 2026 have included surveillance, movement controls for affected flocks, and selective vaccination under permit in commercial settings—measures intended to limit spread among birds and to protect animal health and trade rather than to target travellers. Industry report on permitted vaccination and biosecurity (7 May 2026) and national updates. Travelers should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and follow local public‑health or veterinary guidance if engaging in activities with close bird contact; FAO and national authorities emphasise One‑Health surveillance. FAO situational update.
Cholera/acute watery diarrhoea — continued regional activity including occasional reports in South Africa
European and regional public‑health monitoring noted ongoing cholera activity across southern Africa in 2026; an ECDC monthly update (27 Aug 2026) lists South Africa among countries reporting cases in 2026 (two cases reported to the WHO dashboard by mid‑July) and highlights a broader regional surge linked to flooding and displacement. ECDC cholera monitoring (27 Aug 2026). ECDC and WHO materials note that the risk to most travelers remains low but that vaccination is advised for some high‑risk workers (e.g., relief teams), and that standard precautions for food and water safety (drink treated/bottled water, avoid raw/uncooked foods of uncertain safety, wash hands) reduce risk. Travelers planning work in high‑exposure settings should seek current official advice. ECDC guidance.
These notices summarise reports available on the dates shown and are a snapshot of surveillance and media reporting through 27 October 2026; conditions can change quickly—check local health authorities (NICD and the South African Department of Health) and destination‑specific travel‑health advice close to departure for updated warnings, vaccination or testing requirements, and practical prevention guidance.