The mpox outbreak in Africa has claimed 107 lives since the beginning of 2025, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The virus has affected over 13,500 people in 12 countries, with 3,683 confirmed cases.
In the past week alone, eight countries reported 2,634 new cases, including 878 confirmed ones and 21 deaths. Twelve countries are still facing active transmission, while nine are in the control phase. Five of these countries have gone over 90 days without confirmed cases.
Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, noted difficulties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially in Goma. Ongoing conflict between the DRC army and March 23 Movement (M23) rebels has disrupted laboratory services. This has hindered testing and reporting in North Kivu, Tshopo, and other regions.
The DRC, at the center of this outbreak, reported 1,842 cases last week, with 481 confirmed. The conflict has led to a decline in reporting, and disruptions in sample collection and transportation.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was first discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. This rare viral disease spreads through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated items. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
Last August, Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly after, the World Health Organization also raised the alert to a public health emergency of international concern. This marked the second time in two years that the WHO has issued its highest level of global alert for mpox.
The urgent need for action and cross-border collaboration remains critical as Africa battles this crisis.