Mpox Fatalities in Africa Surpass 100 in 2025
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Synopsis
As of February 2025, the mpox outbreak in Africa has claimed 107 lives, with over 13,500 cases reported across 12 nations. The ongoing conflict in the DRC complicates control efforts, as laboratory services are disrupted, impacting testing and reporting.
Key Takeaways
- 107 deaths reported in Africa from mpox in 2025.
- Over 13,500 cases across 12 countries.
- Ongoing conflict in DRC affects response efforts.
- 12 countries are experiencing active transmission.
- Mpox declared a public health emergency.
Addis Ababa, Feb 8 (NationPress) A total of 107 individuals have succumbed to the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa since the onset of 2025, as reported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Over 13,500 mpox cases have been recorded across 12 African nations, with 3,683 confirmed cases, stated Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya during an online media briefing.
In just the past week, eight African countries have documented 2,634 new cases, which includes 878 confirmed cases and 21 deaths, according to information released by the African Union’s specialized healthcare agency.
Among the 21 African nations affected by the ongoing mpox outbreak since the beginning of last year, 12 are currently witnessing active transmission of the virus, whereas nine countries have entered the control phase, with five of them having surpassed 90 days without any confirmed cases.
Kaseya also raised concerns regarding the challenges faced in tackling the mpox outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the city of Goma, where hostilities have intensified between the DRC army and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.
Data from the Africa CDC indicate that the DRC, which stands at the epicenter of the current mpox outbreak in Africa, has recorded 1,842 mpox cases in the last week, out of which 481 were confirmed.
The leader of Africa CDC mentioned that the ongoing conflict has disrupted laboratory services, impeding mpox testing and reporting in North Kivu, Tshopo, and other provinces.
He noted a significant decline in mpox reporting over the previous week across provinces dependent on testing facilities situated in Goma, attributing this to the ongoing insecurity that has caused interruptions in the collection, transportation, and confirmation of mpox samples.
Mpox, previously recognized as monkeypox, was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is a rare viral infection generally transmitted through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials. The infection often presents with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
In mid-August of the previous year, the Africa CDC classified the mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly thereafter, the World Health Organization declared the viral disease a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second instance in two consecutive years that it activated its highest level of global alert for mpox.
