Mpox Cases in Africa Approaching 70,000: Africa CDC Update
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Addis Ababa, Dec 21 (NationPress) The reported cases of mpox in Africa have now exceeded 69,000 this year, with the death toll rising to more than 1,260, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
During an online media briefing on Thursday evening, Ngashi Ngongo, chief of staff and head of the Executive Office at Africa CDC, revealed that the African continent has documented 69,211 mpox cases since the beginning of the year. Out of these, 14,794 were confirmed, and more than 1,268 deaths have occurred, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Data from the African Union's specialized healthcare agency indicates that in the past week alone, the continent has reported 3,095 new cases, including 553 confirmed cases and 31 new fatalities.
The Africa CDC noted that the count of confirmed mpox cases in Africa has escalated by over 789 percent this year compared to last year's totals.
Ngongo stated that 15 African countries are currently witnessing active transmission of the mpox virus, while five nations—namely Gabon, South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have shifted from active transmission to a controlled status in recent weeks.
He outlined eight urgent priorities to address the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa, including increasing resource mobilization and offering support to the nations most affected.
Ngongo emphasized the need for countries to enhance data management systems, accelerate and broaden vaccination campaigns, improve integrated response methods, and tackle co-infections.
As the continent continues to face the ongoing mpox outbreak, which has thus far impacted 20 African countries, the Africa CDC has urged collective action and sharing of best practices among nations to effectively combat the epidemic.
In mid-August, the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly after, the World Health Organization classified the viral disease as a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second instance in two years that it has activated its highest level of global alert for mpox.
Mpox, previously identified as monkeypox, was first recognized in laboratory monkeys in 1958.
This rare viral disease is typically transmitted through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials. The infection often leads to symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
