Mpox Transmission in Africa: A Growing Concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that 17 African nations are currently experiencing ongoing active transmission of mpox. Over the past six weeks, there have been 2,862 confirmed cases, including 17 fatalities, from September 14 to October 19.

Furthermore, the WHO reported that Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain have newly detected the Clade Ib variant of mpox since the agency's previous update.

Mpox, a viral infection, primarily spreads through close contact and causes symptoms similar to the flu, accompanied by pus-filled lesions. While mostly mild, the infection can have lethal consequences.