Africa CDC Declares First Public Health Emergency Over Mpox Outbreak

The Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has declared a Public Health Emergency over a severe outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) that began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September and has since spread to neighboring countries. The outbreak, which marks the first time the Africa CDC has issued such a declaration, has resulted in over 38,000 cases and more than 1,400 deaths across the continent since the start of 2022. The current strain of the virus is noted for its virulence and rapid transmissibility, raising significant concerns amid a global surge in cases. This situation is exacerbated by a scarcity of vaccines in Africa, which complicates efforts to combat the outbreak.

• The Africa CDC has declared its first-ever Public Health Emergency in response to an aggressive mpox outbreak.
• The outbreak has led to over 38,000 cases and more than 1,400 deaths across the continent since January 2022.
• This strain of mpox is particularly virulent and has spread rapidly, causing global concern.
• There is a critical shortage of vaccines in Africa, complicating efforts to control the outbreak.
• Mpox is transmitted through close contact and causes symptoms such as rashes, lesions, and flu-like symptoms.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously declared a high-level alert for a milder strain of mpox that spread to over 100 countries in 2022.
• The WHO’s emergency committee will decide whether to declare the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

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