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Addis Ababa, May 11, 2025 – The death toll from the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa has climbed above 1,750 since the beginning of 2024, according to the latest figures released by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The continent has reported nearly 130,000 mpox cases over this period, highlighting a troubling surge in the viral disease.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Ngashi Ngongo, Chief of Staff and Head of the Executive Office at the Africa CDC, revealed that 24 African countries have reported a total of 129,711 mpox cases since January 2024. Of these, 29,609 cases were laboratory-confirmed, and 1,751 deaths were attributed to the disease.
The situation remains dire, with the continent recording 3,553 new cases and 12 additional deaths just last week. Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda accounted for a staggering 93.3% of all confirmed cases reported during the week.
Africa CDC officials have expressed concern over the escalating trend, noting that the number of cases reported so far in 2025 already constitutes about two-thirds of last year’s total. Since the beginning of this year alone, Africa has seen 52,082 mpox cases.
Ngongo also highlighted a broader pattern of increasing public health emergencies across the continent. “In 2024, we had, in total, 117 moderate and high-risk public health events. This year, we are already at 120. We have had 34 high-risk, and 86 moderate-risk events this year. This shows that the situation is not reducing,” he stated. Alongside mpox, other significant outbreaks in 2025 include cholera, dengue, and Lassa fever.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is typically transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. The infection causes symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
In August last year, the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. The World Health Organization soon after designated the disease as a public health emergency of international concern.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and published by UNI India on May 10, 2025. The situation regarding mpox outbreaks is evolving, and readers are advised to consult official health sources for the latest updates and guidance.
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