The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared Mpox a public health emergency in Africa.
Scientists at the center reached this conclusion after a multi-stage situation assessment that found that the extent of prevalence is currently underestimated due to the lack of a robust diagnostic system.
They believe that pre-existing diseases such as HIV/AIDS could lead to a spike in mortality.
“We looked at all of the available epidemiological evidence to guide us on the current situation,” said Salem Abdulkarim, chair of the Africa CDC’s Emergency Advisory Group.
“The resolution supported unanimously by all committee members is that we resolve to make a recommendation to the director of Africa CDC to declare mpox a public health emergency of continental security.”
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a species in the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with infected people, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
According to the center, about 16 countries are affected by the MPOX resurgence. About 38,465 cases and 1,456 deaths have been registered there since January 2022.
As of July 14, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention report said 102 new suspected cases had been reported from 18 states in 2024, with no recorded deaths.
