Summary
Nearly 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported in Africa in 2023, with the majority occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that this outbreak has resulted in over 800 deaths across the continent, highlighting a significant public health crisis.
The sharp increase in suspected cases marks a 78.5% rise compared to the previous year, as reported by the African Union’s public health agency. Limited testing capabilities in the DRC have compounded the challenges, as testing supplies have run out, leaving many cases unconfirmed. Mpox, which typically manifests with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, can spread through close contact and, while usually mild, can be fatal in rare instances. The WHO reported that there were 29,342 suspected cases and 812 deaths across Africa from January to mid-September 2023, with a significant uptick in confirmed cases globally, indicating a pressing need for enhanced public health measures and vaccine distribution.
Context of the Outbreak
- Geographic Spread: The outbreak has not been confined to the DRC; neighboring countries, such as Burundi, are also experiencing rising case numbers.
- Public Health Response: The WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared this situation a public health emergency, underlining the urgent need for resources and coordinated efforts to control the spread.
- Vaccine Challenges: Efforts to combat mpox are hindered by vaccine supply issues, with calls for increased availability and efficacy assessments against the new strain of the virus, clade I.
Financial Support
The World Bank has announced a $128.89 million fund to assist ten African countries in addressing the mpox outbreak, reflecting an international commitment to bolster public health infrastructure and response efforts in the region.
Almost 30,000 Suspected Mpox Cases in Africa This Year, WHO Says
Sep. 23 / Usnews / Offers a succinct overview of the mpox situation in Africa, highlighting the alarming rise in cases and deaths. While informative, it lacks deeper analysis and context compared to other sources, making it less compelling. “ LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported in Africa so far this year, most of them in Democratic Republic of Congo where tests...
Almost 30,000 suspected mpox cases in Africa this year, WHO says
Sep. 23 / Gazette / Presents similar information as the previous article, reiterating the statistics and the World Bank's financial support. Its redundancy may detract from its impact, but it remains a reliable report on the outbreak's current status. “ LONDON (Reuters) - Nearly 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported in Africa so far this year, most of them in Democratic Republic of Congo where tests...
Will we let mpox spread, repeating devastating public health failures?
Sep. 13 / L.a. Times / Calls attention to the critical public health implications of the mpox outbreak, emphasizing the urgent need for vaccine supply and preparedness in the U.S. Unique insights into the evolving transmission dynamics enhance its relevance. “ Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is back in the news. As of early September, the World Health Organization has reported more than 5,000...