MPOX TRACKER

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday that the mpox outbreak remains a global public health emergency, emphasizing the rising number of cases, the virus’s growing geographic reach, and the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The WHO first declared the emergency in August 2024, and ongoing instability in the DRC has severely hampered response efforts, further exacerbating the crisis.

The Clade Ib variant of mpox, which is more transmissible than earlier strains, continues to drive the outbreak. While the majority of cases are in the DRC, Uganda and Burundi are also facing surges in infections. Travel-related cases have now reached countries such as Thailand and Britain, raising global concerns. According to WHO reports, over 21,000 confirmed cases and 70 deaths have been recorded in 2024, with last year’s figures exceeding 50,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 deaths. The true scale of the outbreak is likely underestimated due to limited testing capabilities in affected regions.

Mpox, a viral infection that spreads through close contact, typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While often mild, it can be fatal, particularly in vulnerable populations. WHO officials stress that continued international cooperation is essential to contain the outbreak and prevent further global spread.

With violence disrupting surveillance and vaccination efforts, experts warn that failure to act swiftly could allow the outbreak to escalate beyond control. The WHO urges countries to bolster testing, increase vaccine distribution, and reinforce public health messaging to curb transmission. As the crisis unfolds, global health leaders must prioritize mpox containment to prevent another widespread public health catastrophe.