Mpox Outbreak South Africa

Mpox in South Africa: Confirmed Cases, Outbreaks, and Global Health Emergency

Confirmed Cases and Current Outbreak

During the ongoing 2022-2024 multi-country outbreak, South Africa confirmed five mpox cases during the peak in June.

South Africa is currently experiencing an outbreak of mpox, a viral infection that spreads between people and occasionally from animals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the rapid spread of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in African countries a global health emergency.

Historical Context and Geographical Spread

For decades, the disease was primarily found in Central and West Africa.

However, in 2022, mpox began spreading in Europe and North America.

Related Outbreaks in Côte d'Ivoire

In a related development, the WHO announced an outbreak of mpox clade II in Côte d'Ivoire.

Clade II is the variant that was previously prevalent in West and Central Africa.