10 Countries in Africa Confirm Additional Mpox Cases

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has recently confirmed a 160% increase in mpox cases in Africa this year.

As of July 28, 2024, a total of 14,250 cases and 456 deaths (case fatality rate 3.2%) have been recorded in 10 African nations.

While the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported the most cases in 2024, several other African countries, including Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Central African Republic, have reported new mpox outbreaks.

"While mpox is moderately transmissible and usually self-limiting, the case fatality rate has been much higher on the African continent compared to the rest of the world,” the Africa CDC wrote.

On June 27, 2024, the U.S. CDC provided a Mpox Update: Clinical Management and Outbreaks. The CDC recommends that people at high risk for this sexually transmitted disease should speak with a healthcare provider about vaccination options.

Since May 2022, the CDC has endorsed the use of Bavarian Nordic's JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN®, IMVAMUNE®, IMVANEX®) two-dose, mpox, and smallpox vaccine, which remains available at clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.