WHO – Nearly 30,000 Suspected Monkeypox Cases Reported in Africa This Year

Nearly 30,000 suspected cases of mpox have been reported across Africa this year, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where testing resources are severely stretched, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on September 23.

Over 800 individuals have died from suspected mpox infections during this time.

In addition to the DRC, neighboring Burundi is also experiencing a rising outbreak of the virus, which typically spreads through close contact. While mpox is generally mild, it can be fatal in rare cases and is marked by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.

The WHO did not provide figures for previous years, but the African Union’s public health agency reported a 78.5% increase in new cases in 2023, with 14,957 cases and 739 deaths across seven affected countries.

From January to September 15, 2024, Africa recorded a total of 29,342 suspected mpox cases and 812 deaths.

In August alone, 2,082 confirmed cases were reported globally, the highest monthly total since November 2022.

In response to the escalating outbreak, the World Bank’s pandemic fund announced on September 21 that it would allocate $128.89 million to assist ten African countries in combating the virus.

This funding aims to enhance testing, prevention, and treatment efforts in the hardest-hit areas.