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The ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa has resulted in 107 fatalities since the beginning of 2025, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The continent has reported over 13,500 mpox cases across 12 countries, with 3,683 confirmed infections, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya revealed during an online media briefing.
In the past week alone, eight African nations documented 2,634 new cases, including 878 confirmed cases and 21 deaths. Of the 21 African countries affected by the outbreak since last year, 12 are currently experiencing active virus transmission, while nine are in the control phase. Five of these nations have gone more than 90 days without any newly confirmed cases.
Conflict in the DRC Complicates Response Efforts
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains at the epicenter of the mpox outbreak, with 1,842 new cases reported in the past week, including 481 confirmed cases. However, the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC, particularly in Goma, has severely hindered efforts to contain the outbreak. Clashes between the DRC army and March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have disrupted laboratory operations, delaying mpox testing and reporting in North Kivu, Tshopo, and other affected provinces.
Kaseya noted a significant decline in mpox case reporting across regions dependent on testing facilities in Goma, citing security concerns that have interrupted the collection, transportation, and confirmation of samples.
Mpox: A Public Health Emergency
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. The virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials. Symptoms typically include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
In August 2024, Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. The World Health Organization (WHO) subsequently elevated mpox to a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second such designation for the disease in two years.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on reports from Africa CDC and other publicly available sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, new developments may arise that could change the current understanding of the outbreak. Readers are encouraged to follow official health advisories and updates from public health organizations.
