The MPox outbreak in Africa is rapidly spreading, with rising cases across borders, posing significant public health challenges globally., here are some things to know.
1
MPox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infectious disease that manifests with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills and muscle aches.
2
MPox outbreaks have been reported in 34 African countries, with over 14,000 cases and 511 deaths reported in 2024 alone.
3
The surge in MPox cases is linked to the emergence of a new variant, Clade Ib, which has been identified in Kenya, Rwanda etc.
4
The head of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, plans to declare the outbreak a “public health emergency of continental security,”
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MPox is spreading across national borders, often carried by infected individuals traveling between countries.
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The Africa CDC estimates that 10 million doses are needed, but only 200,000 are currently available.
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The WHO declared a public health emergency in July 2022, leading to widespread contact tracing & mass vaccination efforts.