Mpox Epidemic Escalates in Africa with Over 1,100 Fatalities

More than 1,100 individuals across Africa have succumbed to mpox, a situation that has prompted warnings from the African Union‘s health agency about the escalating epidemic. Jean Kaseya, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), addressed the pressing issue during an online media briefing on Thursday, expressing concern over the situation potentially spiraling “out of control.”

Since the beginning of January, approximately 42,000 cases have been documented across the continent, with Zambia and Zimbabwe being the most recent countries to report cases. This brings the total number of African nations affected to 18 this year, according to Africa CDC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is identified as the epicenter of the outbreak. Despite initiating a vaccination campaign earlier this month, the region continues to report the highest number of fatalities. “I’m so sad to say we now have more than 1,000 deaths due to mpox,” Kaseya lamented, noting that 50 deaths occurred in the previous week alone, increasing the total to 1,100.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease transmitted from infected animals to humans and through close human-to-human contact. It is characterized by fever, muscular pains, and large, boil-like skin lesions, potentially leading to death. Despite similarities to smallpox, mpox exhibits milder symptoms, often manifesting as fever, chills, and body aches.

Kaseya emphasized the urgent need for international assistance to combat the crisis, referring to pledges made by global partners to help curb the epidemic. However, he stressed that these promises need to be translated into tangible financial support. The Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation have proposed a six-month plan estimated at nearly USD 600 million to tackle the outbreak, with the funds directed towards 14 affected countries and enhancing readiness in 15 others.

In response, mpox vaccinations have commenced in Rwanda and Congo. However, Kaseya warned about the ongoing challenge of cross-border contamination and the deficiency of rapid test kits across the continent. In the past week, Zambia and Zimbabwe reported their first cases, while Kenya recorded its first mpox-related death. A case was also confirmed within a Ugandan prison, Africa CDC reported.

It is noted that mpox had largely gone undetected in Africa for years until a significant global outbreak in 2022. During this outbreak, wealthier countries quickly mobilized vaccines, while African nations struggled to secure necessary doses despite numerous appeals.

In August, the World Health Organisation classified Africa’s mpox outbreaks as a global health emergency, with the Democratic Republic of Congo at the center. As of now, the continent has reported 42,438 suspected cases since early this year, with 8,113 confirmed to be mpox, Africa CDC shared.