Death Toll from Monkeypox Outbreak in Africa Reaches 979

The death toll from Africa’s ongoing monkeypox outbreak has risen to 979. A total of 38,300 cases, including 7,339 confirmed ones have been reported since the beginning of 2024. During an online media briefing, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director General Jean Kaseya said the continent reported 3,186 new cases in the past week alone, with 53 deaths. He emphasised that the outbreak remains a significant public health concern across the continent.        

Data from the African Union’s specialized healthcare agency showed that Central Africa is the hardest-hit region, accounting for more than 99 percent of all



monkeypox-related deaths reported this year. Mr Kaseya said the number of monkeypox cases reported this year marked a staggering 300 percent increase compared to the total cases recorded last year. 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Uganda represent the top five countries reporting the highest confirmed cases. Calling for further strengthening efforts to address the spread of the virus, the Africa CDC Director General stressed the urgent need to prioritize investigation and research among the most vulnerable segments of the population, such as children under 15 years.