Nearly 30,000 Suspected Mpox Cases Reported in Africa This Year

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on September 23 that nearly 30,000 suspected cases of mpox have been reported across Africa in 2024, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) facing the largest outbreak. Testing capabilities in the DRC have been overwhelmed as the number of cases rises.

So far, over 800 people have died from suspected mpox infections this year. Along with the DRC, neighboring Burundi is also experiencing a significant increase in cases. While mpox typically presents mild symptoms, it can lead to serious complications or death in rare instances. Common symptoms include flu-like signs and pus-filled lesions on the skin.

The WHO did not release comparisons to past years, but the African Union's public health agency noted a 78.5% rise in new mpox cases in 2023, reporting 14,957 cases and 739 deaths across seven affected countries.

From January to mid-September 2024, Africa recorded a total of 29,342 suspected mpox cases and 812 deaths. In August 2024, there were 2,082 confirmed cases reported globally, the highest monthly total since November 2022.

In response to the escalating outbreak, the World Bank’s pandemic fund announced on September 21 that it will provide $128.89 million to assist ten African countries in fighting the virus. This funding aims to enhance testing, prevention, and treatment efforts in the regions most impacted by the outbreak.