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The death toll from Africa’s ongoing monkeypox outbreak has climbed to 979, with total cases surpassing 38,300 since the beginning of 2024, according to data from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Of these cases, 7,339 have been confirmed.
In an online media briefing held on Thursday, Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya expressed deep concern over the situation. Over the past week, the continent reported 3,186 new cases, including 489 confirmed cases and 53 deaths, underscoring the continued severity of the outbreak.
“Mpox is still a major public health issue in Africa. We continue to see an average of 2,500 to 3,000 new cases weekly. This trend has persisted for the past four to five weeks, and we do not see a decline in deaths. The outbreak is still increasing, and it is critical that we remain focused to stop it,” said Kaseya.
Central Africa Hit the Hardest
Sixteen African countries, spread across all five regions of the continent, have reported cases of mpox, with Central Africa being the most severely affected. According to Africa CDC, Central Africa accounted for more than 99 percent of mpox-related deaths reported this year. Six countries in this region—most notably the Democratic Republic of the Congo—have reported 33,735 suspected cases, 7,109 confirmed cases, and 975 deaths in 2024 alone.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda have been identified as the top five countries with the highest number of confirmed cases. These nations represent 98.7 percent of all confirmed cases on the continent.
Escalating Public Health Concerns
Africa CDC’s data reveal a stark increase in the number of mpox cases this year, marking a 300 percent rise compared to 2023. In mid-August, the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly after, the World Health Organization (WHO) also declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern for the second time in two years.
Kaseya emphasized the need for continued vigilance and stronger efforts to contain the virus. He called for enhanced investigations and targeted research, particularly among vulnerable groups, such as children under 15 years of age, who may face higher risks of severe outcomes.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. The virus is thought to be transmitted from wild animals—primarily rodents—to humans, although it can also spread through human-to-human contact, including via body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. Symptoms of the disease typically include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
Although mpox was historically limited to sporadic outbreaks in remote regions of Central and West Africa, it has now become a significant global health concern, especially following the surge in cases across multiple continents in recent years. Public health officials are now racing to prevent further spread and mitigate the impact of the virus on vulnerable populations.
As the outbreak continues to escalate, Africa CDC and global health authorities are urging affected countries to intensify public health measures and enhance access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatment for mpox.
