Mpox outbreak continues to spread in Africa: WHO announces patient numbers

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that 30,000 suspected cases of the mpox (monkeypox) virus have been recorded in Africa this year. The majority of cases were found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where tests to detect the virus have run out.

According to the WHO report, more than 800 people across the continent have lost their lives as a result of the suspected mpox virus.

Stating that 29,342 suspected mpox cases and 812 deaths were recorded in Africa between January and September 15 of this year, the WHO reported that while only 2,082 mpox cases were confirmed globally in August, this figure represents the highest level since November 2022.

On the other hand, the report, which also stated that Burundi is affected by the outbreak, did not include figures compared to previous years.

In recent weeks, Western countries have donated more than 30,000 doses of vaccines to Congo, where cases are widespread, through the WHO.

MPOX CASES INCREASE EVERY YEAR

In a statement, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 14,957 cases and 739 deaths were recorded in 7 countries affected by the outbreak in 2023, and that this data represents a 78.5 percent increase in new cases compared to 2022.

It is estimated that cases will increase even further in 2024. However, the WHO's official data will be shared with the public at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.

The World Bank announced on Saturday that it had provided 128,089 dollars in funding to 10 African countries to combat the outbreak.

News Source: İHA