As of August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially categorized mpox, or monkeypox, as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This classification comes as the disease continues to spread within and beyond Africa, resulting in new cases reported globally.

Mpox is a viral illness caused by two notable strains: mpox Clade 1b and mpox Clade II. While the first outbreak was documented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where thousands were either infected or have tragically lost their lives, the disease has now taken hold across various regions worldwide. The DRC remains the epicenter, but rising cases in non-African nations are raising alarm bells for health experts.

African Countries Hit Hard by Mpox in 2024

According to the latest data from WHO, here’s a rundown of the confirmed cases and fatalities reported across the African continent:

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): 6,169 confirmed cases, 25 deaths, making it the hardest-hit country.

Burundi: 2,650 confirmed cases, 1 death.

Nigeria: 94 confirmed cases, no deaths reported.

Uganda: 1,027 confirmed cases, 6 deaths.

Central African Republic: 263 confirmed cases, 28 deaths.

Cameroon: 35 confirmed cases, 2 deaths.

Ivory Coast: 28 confirmed cases, 1 death.

Republic of Congo: 158 confirmed cases, 21 deaths.

Ghana: 2 confirmed cases, no deaths.

Kenya: 29 confirmed cases, 1 death.

South Africa: 24 confirmed cases, 3 deaths.

Rwanda: 59 confirmed cases, no deaths.

Zambia & Mozambique: At least 1 confirmed case each, with no fatalities.

Non-African Nations Reporting Mpox Cases

The spread of mpox is not confined to Africa alone. Below are the confirmed cases in various non-African countries as of 2024:

United Kingdom: 5 confirmed cases (some tied to travel).

Canada: 1 confirmed case.

Belgium: 1 confirmed case.

Sweden: 1 confirmed case (first detected in August).

Germany: 1 confirmed case.

Oman: 1 confirmed case.

India, Pakistan, Thailand, and the United States: Each reporting at least 1 confirmed case, with some linked to travel from African regions.

The Growing Concern

While African countries remain the epicenter of the mpox outbreak, the increasing number of cases outside the continent cannot be overlooked. Each new case represents a potential risk for further spread, accentuating the urgent need for global monitoring and response strategies.

Health experts emphasize the importance of adhering to precautionary measures to prevent another potential pandemic scenario similar to COVID-19. With the emergence of new strains and the disease's rapid transmission rate, the situation remains critical.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe! As authorities worldwide ramp up efforts to control the outbreak, individuals are urged to remain vigilant and informed about the latest developments surrounding mpox.