Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI): The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported a troubling rise in the mpox outbreak across the continent, with fatalities now totaling 979 and overall cases exceeding 38,300 since the beginning of 2024.
During a special online media briefing on October 10, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya revealed that the past week alone saw an alarming addition of 3,186 new cases, which included 489 confirmed instances and 53 deaths. This surge has brought the total number of mpox-related fatalities this year to 979.
The outbreak has been documented in 16 countries throughout Africa, spanning all five regions of the continent. According to data from the African Union’s healthcare agency, Central Africa has emerged as the hardest-hit area, accounting for over 99% of this year’s mpox-related deaths. Six countries in the region have reported a staggering 33,735 suspected cases and 7,109 confirmed ones, leading to 975 deaths.
In East Africa, the situation is also concerning, with 2,544 suspected cases and 38 confirmed cases reported. However, this region has not yet recorded any mpox-related deaths.
Kaseya emphasized the seriousness of the outbreak, stating, “Mpox remains a significant public health challenge in Africa. Last week alone, we recorded over 3,186 new cases. For the last four to five weeks, we’ve been averaging between 2,500 and 3,000 new cases weekly.”
He noted that the death toll has not shown signs of decline, indicating that the outbreak continues to escalate. “We need to maintain our focus on controlling this situation,” Kaseya urged.
The number of mpox cases reported so far this year represents a staggering 300% increase compared to the entirety of 2023. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda are identified as the top five countries with the highest confirmed cases, collectively accounting for 98.7% of all reported cases.
Kaseya called for intensified efforts to combat the spread of mpox, particularly emphasizing the need for research and investigation among vulnerable populations, including children under 15 years.
In mid-August, the Africa CDC designated the ongoing mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security. Shortly thereafter, the World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest global alert level for mpox for the second time in two years.
Mpox, commonly referred to as monkeypox, was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is believed to spread from wild animals like rodents to humans or through direct human-to-human contact. This rare viral disease is typically transmitted via bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. Symptoms often include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
PHOTO, from the UN World Health Organization (WHO), shows symptoms of Mpox, commonly known as monkeypox, which typically include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
