WHO: MPOX In Africa Almost Touches 14,000 Cases

Photo Illustration: Antara

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that Africa recorded nearly 14,000 MPOX cases, including 60 deaths in 20 countries.

Citing ANTARA news, Sunday, December 29, Zambia on Friday, December 27, confirmed the second case of MPOX, nearly three months after reporting its first case.

Douglas Syakaliam, acting Health Minister of Zambia said that the latest case involved a 34-year-old woman from Kitwe, Copperbelt Province.

Her husband, who works in a neighboring country with confirmed MPOX cases, experienced similar symptoms earlier this month.

"Both are now stable and under close supervision. A quick response team has been deployed to track contacts and prevent further spread," said Syakaliam.

He added that eight close contacts were being monitored, and surveillance efforts were tightened nationwide.

MPOX continues to be a cross-border threat, Syakalima urges residents to avoid close contact, maintain good hygiene, use personal protective equipment, handle contaminated goods carefully, and immediately report symptoms to prevent the spread.

According to a report on the multi-state external situation at the end of 2024 WHO, published on December 23, Africa reported 13,769 confirmed cases with 60 deaths as of December 15.

"The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains the most affected country, with 9,513 confirmed cases and 43 deaths, followed by Burundi with 2,650 cases and one death, and Uganda with 1,027 cases and six deaths," the report said.

The WHO also noted that 14 countries reported new cases in the six weeks leading up to December 15, suggesting an ongoing outbreak, while six countries showed signs of switching to a control phase.

To increase readiness, WHO announced the availability of 4.7 million doses of vaccine to be allocated to MPOX-affected countries worldwide.