The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a total of 6,603 confirmed mpox cases and 32 deaths across 15 African countries in 2024. In the last week, 402 confirmed cases were reported with no new deaths.
According to the 38th WHO situation report published on September 28, 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Nigeria are reporting the highest numbers of suspected cases. The DRC remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 5,621 confirmed cases and 25 deaths, alongside 27,103 suspected cases and 838 deaths.
Burundi follows with 696 confirmed cases and no deaths, while Nigeria has reported 78 confirmed cases without fatalities. All currently affected countries in Africa have seen new cases in the past six weeks, with Guinea reporting its first mpox case in the last month.
The deaths in the DRC are primarily linked to clade Ib MPXV in South Kivu province. Challenges in testing and delays in case confirmation are hindering outbreak control efforts in the DRC. In Burundi, mpox cases have significantly increased, with 35 of 49 districts affected since the outbreak began in July 2024. Children under five account for approximately 30% of confirmed cases in Burundi.
As of September 22, 2024, Africa has reported 31,427 suspected cases and 844 deaths (case fatality rate of 2.7%). The WHO emphasizes the need for enhanced surveillance, testing, and contact tracing to curb the spread of mpox in Africa, along with a research roadmap to address knowledge gaps and guide response efforts.
