Surge in Mpox Cases Sparks Health Warnings in Africa

Mpox cases have surged by 160% in Africa this year, leading to 14,250 cases and 456 deaths, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) accounting for over 96% of these numbers. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reports a total of 37,583 cases and 1,451 deaths across 15 countries since early 2022, with a fatality rate of 3.9%. New outbreaks have been detected in Kenya and the Central African Republic, further complicating efforts to control the disease. Health officials are alarmed by the lack of effective treatments and vaccines available in the region, with the potential for the virus to evolve due to genetic mutations. Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact and has shown to spread through sexual transmission, especially affecting children under 15. Authorities are urging for immediate vaccine interventions to prevent widespread outbreaks amidst these alarming trends.