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In July 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 3,924 confirmed cases of mpox, also known as monkeypox, across 47 countries spanning five WHO regions, resulting in 30 deaths. This update underscores that mpox remains a significant global health concern with ongoing community transmission outside endemic regions. The WHO’s multi-country situation report published at the end of August highlights both rising and declining trends in various regions, the diversity of circulating virus clades, and continued efforts to contain outbreaks amid shifting epidemiological patterns.
Key Findings from the WHO July 2025 Report
According to the WHO’s 57th multi-country external situation report released on August 27, 2025, mpox cases were reported in 47 countries covering Africa, the Americas, Europe, South-East Asia, and the Western Pacific. A total of 3,924 confirmed cases and 30 deaths were recorded in July alone, with a case fatality rate approximately 0.76%.
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The South-East Asian and Western Pacific regions saw an increase in cases during July.
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Conversely, the African, European, and Americas regions reported decreases in overall case numbers.
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The Eastern Mediterranean region reported no cases of mpox during that month.
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Senegal and Türkiye reported mpox cases for the first time; Senegal’s clade is under investigation, while Türkiye reported cases from the clade Ib MPXV for the first time.
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The virus continues to circulate in multiple clades (genetic variants), notably clades I (Central African/Congo Basin) and II (West African). Clade I typically shows a higher fatality rate.
Expert Perspectives on Ongoing Transmission and Public Health Challenges
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s COVID-19 Technical Lead and Head of Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses Unit, emphasizes that “Mpox outbreaks persist due to gaps in rapid containment and interruptions in human-to-human transmission chains. Vigilant surveillance and community engagement remain critical.” Infectious disease epidemiologist Dr. André Klarkowski, not involved in the report, concurs, noting, “The global distribution reflects both travel-associated spread and local transmission hotspots. Public health systems must adapt strategies tailored to region-specific dynamics.”
Background and Context
Mpox is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus similar to smallpox but generally less severe. It presents symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains, and a characteristic rash progressing through blister-like lesions that crust and heal. Transmission occurs through close contact with infected individuals or animals, bodily fluids, lesion materials, and contaminated materials.
The current global epidemiology follows the expanded outbreak beginning in 2022 linked mainly to clade IIb, which WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024. Recent years have witnessed a shift with the re-emergence and rise of clade I cases, especially in Central African countries, causing greater disease severity and mortality.
Recent data indicate over 137,000 confirmed cases globally from 2022 through early 2025, accompanied by more than 300 deaths. Current cases in July 2025 constitute part of this continuing challenge.
Implications for Public Health and Communities
These updated figures highlight the persistent threat mpox poses worldwide despite prior containment successes. For public health authorities, the findings reinforce the need for:
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Enhanced surveillance to promptly identify and isolate new cases and track clade evolution.
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Community risk communication focusing on reducing high-risk contacts, especially in vulnerable populations.
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Continued rollout and accessibility of vaccines originally developed for smallpox but effective against mpox.
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Research into antiviral treatments such as tecovirimat and cidofovir.
For individuals, awareness about preventive hygiene practices, symptom recognition, and early medical consultation remain crucial.
Limitations and Ongoing Challenges
The WHO report notes potential under-reporting and incomplete case identification, particularly in resource-limited settings. Case fatality ratio calculations may not fully capture the pandemic’s impact due to varying healthcare access and surveillance capacity. Additionally, ongoing zoonotic reservoirs and human mobility complicate eradication efforts. Some experts warn of complacency as case counts decline in some regions, underscoring the importance of sustained vigilance.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References
1. https://nagalandtribune.in/mpox-47-countries-reported-3924-cases-30-deaths-in-july-says-who-report/
