The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant surge in mpox cases across Africa this year, totaling nearly 30,000 suspected instances from January to mid-September. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been the hardest hit, grappling with resource shortages and depleted testing supplies.
As of September 15, the DRC alone accounted for 5,399 confirmed cases. Burundi and Nigeria followed with 564 and 55 confirmed cases, respectively. Other nations, including South Africa, Uganda, Liberia, and Morocco, have also reported new cases and deaths, bringing the total to 29,342 suspected and confirmed cases and 812 fatalities across the continent.
The limited diagnostic capacity in several African countries has left many suspected cases untested, exacerbating the crisis. In response, international organizations have stepped in to provide support. Last week, the World Bank pledged $128.89 million to assist ten African nations in their efforts to control the outbreak.
Mpox, known for its flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, is typically spread through close contact and can be fatal in rare cases. The severity of the current outbreak led the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to declare mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on August 13, 2024. The following day, WHO classified the Clade I outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.
Efforts to contain the virus are ongoing, with a focus on increasing testing capacity, securing medical supplies, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to manage and reduce the spread of mpox across Africa.
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WHO reports nearly 30,000 suspected mpox cases in Africa this year
cgtn.com
