Africa’s public health agency is expected to declare a public health emergency for mpox next week due to the alarming spread of a new variant, Clade Ib, across the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries.
Mpox, transmitted through close contact, causes flu-like symptoms and lesions. While most cases are mild, the disease can be fatal.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported a 79% increase in cases from 2022-2023 and a 160% rise from 2023-2024. Director General Jean Kaseya plans to consult with African Union leaders on Tuesday to seek approval for the declaration, which would enhance cross-border coordination and resource mobilization.
So far, Congo has reported over 13,000 suspected cases and 503 deaths this year. The new variant has also been detected in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya since mid-July.
The World Health Organization has noted an unprecedented rise in cases and is analyzing transmission patterns to improve response efforts. The U.S. CDC has issued a health alert regarding the new strain, and WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will convene an emergency committee to evaluate the outbreak’s international impact.
The Africa CDC recently received $10.4 million in emergency funding from the African Union for its response efforts.
