Mpox deaths surpass 1,900 in Africa since 2024: Africa CDC
Since the start of 2024, mpox deaths in Africa have surpassed 1,900, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). As of August 2025, 27 African countries have reported a total of about 174,597 mpox cases and 1,922 related deaths since early 2024.
In 2025 alone, Africa has already reported approximately 94,300 cases, which is 117% of the cases reported in the previous year. Confirmed cases in 2025 reached 29,084 compared to 19,713 in 2024. The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of continental security by Africa CDC in August 2024, and subsequently a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO.
The disease mainly spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects, and symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, typically lasting 2–4 weeks.
Efforts to address the outbreak include initiatives to accelerate testing, sequencing, and local production of diagnostic kits in Africa, supported by partnerships like the EU-backed PAMTA project. Despite some recent declines in cases and deaths, ongoing surveillance and response remain crucial.
