Mpox cases in Africa have surged by 160% this year, as reported by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The alarming increase is largely attributed to a shortage of vaccines and treatments, hampering efforts to control the outbreak.

According to the CDC, mpox has been detected in 10 African countries this year, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experiencing the brunt of the crisis. The DRC accounts for over 96% of all cases and deaths reported so far. Disturbingly, nearly 70% of the cases in Congo involve children under 15, who represent 85% of the deaths from the disease.

Doctors Without Borders has expressed deep concern over the expanding outbreak in Congo, warning of a potential crisis due to large population movements. Dr. Louis Massing, the group's medical director for Congo, emphasized the urgent need for vaccines, stating, “We can only plead … for vaccines to arrive in the country and as quickly as possible so that we can protect the populations in the areas most affected.”

As of this week, Africa has reported approximately 14,250 mpox cases in 2024, nearing the total number reported for all of 2023. The number of cases has increased by 160% compared to the first seven months of last year, with deaths rising by 19% to a total of 456.

New cases have emerged in Burundi and Rwanda, marking the first reports of mpox in these countries. Outbreaks have also been declared in Kenya and the Central African Republic, with the latter's capital, Bangui, now affected. Kenya's Health Ministry reported that mpox was found in a passenger crossing from Uganda.

Earlier this year, a new and more virulent strain of mpox was identified in a Congolese mining town. The virus, which spreads through close contact including sexual activity, has shown genetic mutations linked to its rapid transmission in Congo.

In response, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations will begin a study next month in Congo and other African countries to evaluate the effectiveness of administering mpox vaccines post-exposure. The aim is to determine if this approach could reduce severe illness and prevent deaths.

The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for enhanced vaccine distribution and treatment options to curb the spread of mpox across the continent.