Evolving Epidemiology of Mpox in Africa in 2024

This original research article analyzes mpox case data collected by the Africa CDC between January 2022 and October 2024. During this period, more than 45,000 mpox cases and nearly 1500 deaths were reported across 12 African countries 88% of cases originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The case fatality rate was 3.3%, with significant geographic heterogeneity. The 2024 outbreak saw rapid expansion of the clade Ib variant, notable for human-to-human sexual transmission, while clade Ia remained zoonotic. Conflict, limited access to vaccination, and breakdowns in public health infrastructure contributed to the epidemic's severity in the DRC. Six neighboring countries reported imported or local cases by mid-2024. In response, mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (Africa CDC) and of International Concern (WHO). Despite coordinated efforts and deployment of community health resources, the study underscores critical shortfalls in lab diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and vaccine access. The authors call for urgent international support and equitable vaccine distribution to prevent a repeat of past global health failures.

This original research article analyzes mpox case data collected by the Africa CDC between January 2022 and October 2024. During this period, more than 45,000 mpox cases and nearly 1500 deaths were reported across 12 African countries 88% of cases originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The case fatality rate was 3.3%, with significant geographic heterogeneity. The 2024 outbreak saw rapid expansion of the clade Ib variant, notable for human-to-human sexual transmission, while clade Ia remained zoonotic. Conflict, limited access to vaccination, and breakdowns in public health infrastructure contributed to the epidemic's severity in the DRC. Six neighboring countries reported imported or local cases by mid-2024. In response, mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (Africa CDC) and of International Concern (WHO). Despite coordinated efforts and deployment of community health resources, the study underscores critical shortfalls in lab diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and vaccine access. The authors call for urgent international support and equitable vaccine distribution to prevent a repeat of past global health failures.