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The mpox outbreak across Africa has claimed over 1,900 lives since the start of 2024, with 27 countries reporting a total of 174,597 cases, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The African continent has seen a significant rise in cases this year, with 94,300 infections recorded in 2025 alone, surpassing last year’s numbers by 117 percent. Confirmed cases have also increased sharply, from 19,713 in 2024 to 29,084 in 2025.
Ngashi Ngongo, chief of staff at Africa CDC, highlighted the ongoing severity of the outbreak during an online briefing. The outbreak was formally declared a public health emergency of continental security by Africa CDC in August 2024, a status that was subsequently recognized internationally by the World Health Organization.
Mpox symptoms usually manifest within a week of exposure but can take up to 21 days, with illness duration ranging from 2 to 4 weeks or longer for immunocompromised individuals.
Africa CDC continues to mobilize resources and provide technical support to affected countries, emphasizing the critical need for surveillance, diagnostics, and outbreak response to curb the spread of mpox on the continent.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and related authoritative sources as of August 2025. The situation is evolving, and figures may change as additional data becomes available.
