More than 26,000 cases of mpox have been recorded across Africa since the start of 2025, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) bearing the heaviest burden, according to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) via UN OCHA’s Reliefweb.4
As of July, a total of 26,734 mpox cases and 115 deaths have been reported across 21 African countries. The DRC alone accounts for 13,545 cases and 38 fatalities, followed by Uganda (6,051 cases) and Sierra Leone (4,610 cases).
While WHO data indicates a recent decline in new infections—particularly in DRC and Sierra Leone—health authorities caution that the trend may be misleading due to testing delays, inconsistent surveillance, and waning response resources in many affected areas.
Resurgence and global alert status
The mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, is endemic to Central and West Africa, but drew global attention after international outbreaks in 2022–2023. Though the WHO lifted its global health emergency designation in May 2023, the status was reinstated in August 2024 amid a fresh resurgence.
The current outbreak has raised concerns about health system fatigue and resource constraints, particularly in conflict-affected countries like the DRC where routine disease surveillance remains fragile.
Public health priorities
Health officials are calling for sustained international support, improved access to testing and vaccines, and cross-border coordination to contain the spread of mpox across the continent. The WHO continues to monitor the outbreak and is expected to issue updated technical guidance for national health ministries this month.
The mpox virus is primarily spread through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals, contaminated objects, or bodily fluids. It causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and can be fatal in vulnerable populations if not treated promptly.
