Johannesburg: The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported that 107 people have lost their lives to the ongoing Mpox epidemic across the continent since the beginning of 2025. The outbreak continues to pose a significant health challenge, with 3,683 of the 13,500 reported cases across 12 African nations confirmed positive for the virus.
During an online media briefing, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya provided an update on the alarming spread of mpox. The latest statistics indicate that in just the past week, eight African countries reported 2,634 new cases, including 878 confirmed infections and 21 fatalities.
Mpox: Widespread Transmission and Control Efforts
A total of 21 African countries have recorded mpox cases since early 2024. Currently, nine nations are in the control phase of the epidemic. While five countries have reported no new confirmed cases for over 90 days, 12 others are still experiencing active transmission.
Kaseya highlighted the significant challenges in controlling the outbreak, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The city of Goma has become a focal point of concern due to ongoing clashes between the DRC army and M23 rebels, which have severely hampered health response efforts.
Mpox: DRC Faces Critical Challenges
The DRC remains the epicenter of the mpox crisis in Africa. According to Africa CDC data, the country recorded 1,842 mpox cases in the past week alone, with 481 cases confirmed. The ongoing conflict in North Kivu, Tshopo, and other affected provinces has disrupted laboratory services, making it increasingly difficult to test and report new cases.
Kaseya warned of a “steep decline” in mpox reporting due to instability in the region. Delays in sample collection, transportation, and testing in Goma and surrounding areas have further complicated efforts to track and contain the virus.
Mpox: A Public Health Emergency
First discovered in experimental monkeys in 1958, mpox—formerly known as monkeypox—is a rare viral disease primarily transmitted through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
In mid-August 2024, the Africa CDC declared the mpox epidemic a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly thereafter, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its highest level of global alert for the virus for the second consecutive year, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
With ongoing efforts to curb the outbreak, health officials are urging governments and international organizations to provide more resources to affected regions. The situation remains critical, particularly in conflict-ridden areas where healthcare infrastructure is already strained.
