WHO Reports Mpox Spread Across 17 African Countries, 17 Deaths Confirmed

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported ongoing active transmission of mpox in 17 African countries over the past six weeks, with 2,862 confirmed cases and 17 deaths. New detections of the Clade Ib mpox virus have been identified for the first time in Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, indicating a wider geographic spread beyond Africa. Additional countries such as Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and the US have reported imported or locally transmitted cases, reflecting community transmission in several regions. The virus, which spreads through close contact and causes symptoms like flu and pus-filled lesions, remains mostly mild but can be fatal. WHO emphasizes the importance of heightened surveillance, improved vaccine access, and stronger infection control to prevent the disease from becoming entrenched globally. The spread among at-risk populations and new geographic areas signals the need for coordinated global public health efforts.