The number of Mpox cases reported in Africa this year has exceeded 65,000, with the de@th toll rising to over 1,200, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
As of this year, Africa has reported 65,711 Mpox cases, with 14,241 confirmed and over 1,237 deaths, stated Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya. Last week alone, the continent saw 3,545 new cases, including 467 confirmed ones, and 37 new de@ths, based on data from the African Union’s specialized healthcare agency.
The Africa CDC noted that six African countries—Gabon, Guinea, South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have shifted from active transmission to a controlled stage. However, the continent continues to lose lives due to the ongoing Mpox outbreak, which has affected 20 countries. Kaseya urged for concerted efforts to combat the outbreak.
In mid-August, the Africa CDC declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. Shortly after, the World Health Organization also declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest level of global alert for the second time in two years.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is a rare viral disease typically spread through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials. The infection usually results in fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
