PandemicPreparedness

Updated: September 2025

Mpox

The first case of mpox was reported in June 2022. Further cases have been detected since then, both imported and linked to local transmission.

Testing is available through the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and some private laboratories. Local health care facilities will be able to diagnose and submit samples for testing.

Vaccination is approved for pre-exposure use in high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men, healthcare professionals, and laboratory workers. Post-exposure vaccination is approved for sexual, household, and healthcare facility contacts. There is likely limited vaccine available in South Africa. Vaccination sites have been set up in three provinces, additional information can be found here.

Useful websites: Find the latest updates at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) website and the WHO dashboard.

Bird flu

H5N1 was first reported in domestic birds in June 2021 and has since been found in domestic and wild birds.
H5N2 was detected in domestic birds during the periods 2004-2006, 2011-2013, and 2022-2023.
H5N8 was detected in wild and domestic birds between 2017-2021.
H7N6 was detected in domestic birds in May 2023. Since then, H7N6 outbreaks continue to be reported in poultry in South Africa.

Human cases of bird flu

No human cases of bird flu have been reported in South Africa.

COVID-19

The first cases were reported in March 2020.

See the WHO dashboard for the latest updates.