In August, the WHO classified mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the highest alert level, after the virus began to spread more widely in parts of Africa. The most recent WHO report reveals that as of November 3, there have been 46,794 confirmed and suspected cases of mpox across Africa in 2023, with 1,081 reported deaths. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Uganda are the most affected countries, with the DRC bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
Mpox is typically transmitted through close contact and presents with flu-like symptoms and characteristic pus-filled lesions on the body. While the disease is usually mild, it can be fatal in rare instances.
