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January 13, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported approximately 14,700 confirmed mpox cases, including 66 fatalities, across 20 African countries from January 2024 to January 5, 2025. This marks a concerning escalation in the ongoing outbreak of the viral disease, previously known as monkeypox.
The confirmed cases represent only a fraction of suspected infections, as limited diagnostic capacities in several countries, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), hinder widespread testing. Many suspected cases remain untested and unconfirmed, the WHO noted in its latest report.
Emerging Variants and Transmission
The outbreak is being driven by multiple virus clades, with the Clade Ib variant accounting for most cases in the DRC and its neighboring nations. First detected in mid-September 2023 in South Kivu, an eastern province of the DRC, this variant has also contributed to travel-related cases outside Africa.
Imported cases, primarily linked to Clade Ib, were identified among adults who traveled during their incubation period or while experiencing early symptoms. Diagnoses were often made upon their arrival in other countries, underlining the global implications of the outbreak.
Challenges in Surveillance and Reporting
The WHO emphasized that varying surveillance capabilities and reporting practices have complicated efforts to track the disease. Many countries face limited resources and restricted access to diagnostic testing, resulting in underreporting or delayed detection. The organization has called for sustained and strengthened mpox surveillance to improve case identification and reporting.
Public Health Emergency Declarations
In mid-August 2024, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly after, the WHO escalated mpox to a public health emergency of international concern—the second such declaration for the disease in two years.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox, a rare viral disease, was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It primarily spreads through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
The WHO’s repeated warnings highlight the urgent need for international collaboration to address the mpox outbreak, improve diagnostic capacities, and prevent further spread.
