Mpox African region (WHO Africa, Week 22: 22-28 May 2023)

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 2: 2 to 8 January 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 8 January 2023
...

Mpox (Monkeypox) Multiple Countries

1 226 cases
16 Deaths
1.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Two newly confirmed Monkeypox cases were retrospectively
reported in Africa in the past week. These cases were parts of
the samples collected in December 2022 and were recorded for
week 52 (26 Dec 2022 – 01 Jan 2023). No new cases have been
confirmed in the first week of 2023.

Between 1 January 2022 and 7 January 2023, 1 126 laboratory
confirmed cases have been reported from 13 African countries,
including Nigeria (756), the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(279), Ghana (116), Sudan (18), Cameroon (18), CAR (13),
Liberia (6), Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3),
Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).

The top three countries with the highest number of confirmed
cases of Mpox are Nigeria (61.7%; 756), DRC (22.8%; 279), and
Ghana (9.5%; 116). Together, the three countries account for
93.9% (1 151) of all confirmed cases in Africa.

Eight countries: Benin, Cameroon, CAR, Congo, Morocco,
Mozambique, South Africa, and Sudan, have not reported any
new cases in the past six weeks, and Liberia has not reported
in 21 days. The average age of Monkeypox cases reported in
Africa is 22.4 years, ranging from 0-87 years, and the majority
are males (60.2%). Sixteen deaths were reported in the continent
in 2022 from Nigeria (7), Ghana (4), Cameroon (3), Mozambique
(1), and Sudan (1).

Country specific updates

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the
countries with high MPX burdens in Africa. The country has
reported 259 confirmed cases since January 2022. Monkeypox
poses complex challenges to the country as (89%) 23/26
provinces are being affected. However, the World Health
Organization (WHO) and other international organizations have
been working to control the spread of Monkeypox in the DRC and
other affected countries. These include improving surveillance
and diagnostic capacity, educating the public about the disease
and how to prevent it, and identifying and isolating infected
individuals to prevent further transmission.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Countries are using the new WHO’s technical surveillance
guidelines and reporting tools to facilitate case detection,
reporting, case investigations, contact tracing, and followup.

Mpox signal detection and verification are being enhanced
through proactive information and data gathering system
using the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources.

WHO is supporting affected countries to improve surveillance
and laboratory capacity, including genomic surveillance.
WHO supports countries with vaccination strategies and
guidelines towards identifying high-risk and priority groups
for vaccination.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Two newly confirmed mpox cases were reported from the
Democratic Republic of the Congo in the past week, with no
death. WHO AFRO supports countries on mpox surveillance and
response through the provision of funds and mpox vaccines.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/365578/OEW02-0208012023.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 3: 9 to 15 January 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 15 January 2023
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Mpox (Monkeypox) Multiple Countries

1 238 cases
16 Deaths
1.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Five newly confirmed Mpox cases were retrospectively reported
in Ghana in the past week from laboratory tests conducted in
Epiweek 51 of December 2022 (19 - 25 Dec 2022). No new cases
have been confirmed in 2023.

Between 1 January 2022 and 14 January 2023, 1 138 laboratory
confirmed cases have been reported from 13 African countries,
including Nigeria (763), the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(279), Ghana (121), Sudan (18), Cameroon (18), Central African
Republic (13), Liberia (6), Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin
Republic (3), Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).

The top three countries with the highest number of confirmed
cases are Nigeria (61.6%, 763), DRC (22.5%, 279), and Ghana
(9.8%, 121). The three countries have reported 93.9% (1 163) of
all confirmed cases (1 238) in Africa.

Eight countries: Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic,
Congo, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, and Sudan, have
not reported any new cases in the past seven weeks, while Liberia
has not reported any new cases in the past 28 days. The average
age of Mpox cases reported in Africa is 21.0 years, ranging from
0-87 years, and the majority are males (60.2%).

Sixteen deaths were reported in the continent in 2022 from
Nigeria (7), Ghana (4), Cameroon (3), Mozambique (1), and
Sudan (1). Predominant signs and symptoms include rash
(18.3%), fever (17.4%), dysphagia (10.1%), pain (10.1%), and
headache (7.3%).

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

No newly confirmed mpox cases or deaths were reported in
Africa in the past week. The WHO AFRO supports countries in
investigating modes of transmission and performing genomic
sequencing to identify the main clades involved in the outbreak.
...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/365633/OEW03-915012023-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 4: 16 to 22 January 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 22 January 2023
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Mpox (Monkeypox) Multiple Countries

1 319 cases
17 Deaths
1.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Eighty-one newly confirmed mpox cases have been reported in
Africa since the beginning of the year 2023 from Nigeria and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Nigeria reported 12 newly confirmed cases, nine cases in week
1 (ending 8 January) and three cases in week 2 (ending 15
January). Out of the 36 States in Nigeria, mpox cases have been
reported from 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory FCT
since 2022. Only Sokoto and Jigawa States have not reported
mpox cases since the outbreak. Eight states (Lagos, Abia, Imo,
Bayelsa, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, and Delta) are responsible for over
63.4% of all confirmed cases. There is an ongoing contact tracing
follow-up of the contacts of the newly confirmed cases.

In the same period, DRC reported 69 newly confirmed cases
which include, 51 in week 1 and 17 in week 2, respectively. Sixtyfour (92.7%)
of the 69 cases confirmed in 2023 were from three
regions (Maniema, Sankuru, and Tshuapa). Almost 90% (23/26)
of the provinces are being affected.

However, there is an ongoing collaboration between the WHO,
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Environmental
Surveillance Division team for joint interventions with a OneHealth
approach in response to mpox in the country.

Between 1 January 2022 and 22 January 2023, 1 319 laboratory
confirmed cases have been reported from 13 African countries,
including Nigeria (775), the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(348), Ghana (121), Sudan (18), Cameroon (18), Central African
Republic (CAR) (13), Liberia (6), Congo (5), South Africa (5),
Benin Republic (3), Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).
The top three countries with the highest number of confirmed
cases include Nigeria (58.8%; n = 775), DRC (26.4%; n =
348), and Ghana (9.2%; n = 121). Together, the three countries
accounted for 94.4% (n = 1,244) of all confirmed cases.

Nine countries: Benin, Cameroon, CAR, Congo, Liberia, Morocco,
Mozambique, South Africa, and Sudan, have not reported any
new cases in the past five weeks. Ghana and Egypt have not
reported new cases in 28 days.

Seventeen (17) deaths have been reported in the African
region since 2022 from Nigeria (8), Ghana (4), Cameroon (3),
Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Ongoing finalization of the terms of reference for the WHO
technical support mission for mpox response in DRC.

Upcoming workshop for harmonizing response pillar tools in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 26 - 30 January
2023.

Ongoing technical support for the countries to identify target
groups for mpox vaccination

The WHO is supporting countries financially and technically
to investigate modes of transmission and characterize mpox
cases in the region.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Newly confirmed mpox were reported from Nigeria and the
Democratic Republic of the Congo in the past week. An additional
new mpox death was recored in the past week from Nigeria.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/365707/OEW04-1622012023.pdf

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 6: 30 January to 5 February 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 5 February 2023
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Mpox Multiple Countries

1 365 cases
17 Deaths
1.2% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Six newly confirmed mpox cases were reported in Africa in the
past week as the cases reported in 2023 increased from 118 in
week 3 (23 -29 January 2023) to 124 within the past week. The
cases were reported from the Central African Republic (CAR),
Liberia and Nigeria. One new death was retrospectively reported
from Nigeria.

The number of mpox cases in CAR has increased from 20 to
22 as the country reported two new cases from four suspected
cases in the past week.

Liberia also reported the first case in 2023, making a total of
seven cases since the outbreak in 2022.

The three new cases reported in Nigeria in the past week have
increased the number of mpox cases to 26 in 2023. Nigeria has
reported a cumulative total of 789 cases from 1 January 2022 to
5 February 2023.

Between 1 January 2022 and 05 February 2023, 1 365 laboratory
confirmed cases have been reported from 13 African countries,
including Nigeria (789), the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(DRC) (370), Ghana (121), CAR (22), Cameroon (18), Sudan
(18), Liberia (7), Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3),
Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1). Three countries
(CAR, DRC, and Nigeria) reported sporadic mpox cases in 2023.
The top three countries with the highest number of confirmed
cases include Nigeria (58.8% n = 789), DRC (27.7%; n = 370), and
Ghana (9.0%; n = 121). Together, the three countries accounted
for 94.5% (n = 1 341) of all confirmed cases.

Seven countries that have not reported new mpox cases for more
than ten weeks include Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Mozambique,
Morocco, South Africa, and Sudan. Egypt in six weeks and Ghana
in five weeks. Seventeen (17) deaths have been reported in the
African region since 2022 from Nigeria (8), Ghana (4), Cameroon
(3), Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Workshop for harmonizing response pillar tools was
concluded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from
26 - 30 January 2023

Ongoing technical support for the countries to identify target
groups for mpox vaccination

WHO AFRO continues to support countries in strengthening
Mpox surveillance, laboratory capacity, information
management, and genomic sequencing

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Six new mpox cases were reported from Central Africa Republic,
Liberia, and Nigeria in the past week, with no new deaths. Africa
has been reporting weekly new mpox cases since January 2023.
Four countries have reported new cases in 2023, including the
Central Africa Repub

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/365964/OEW06-300105022023.pdf?sequence=10&isAllowed=y

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 10: 27 February to 5 March 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 5 March 2023
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Multiple Countries

Mpox

1 437 Cases
18 Deaths
1.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The WHO African region received reports of 39
retrospectively confirmed mpox cases in the past week
as the total cases reported in 2023 increased from 162
to 197 (21.6%), including two deaths. The cases were
reported for week 7 (ending 19 February 2023) from
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana
and Nigeria. Five (5) African countries (Central African
Republic (CAR), DRC, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria) have
reported mpox cases in 2023.

The number of mpox cases in DRC has increased from
387 to 419 (8.3%) as the country retrospectively reported
32 new cases in week 7. Since the start of 2023, DRC has
reported 140 cases, of which more than half 74 (53.2%)
of the cases are females and most are within 0-19
age-group 80 (57.1%). Provinces that have been most
affected are Sankuru, Tshopo, Kasai, Tshuapa, Equateur,
and Maniema.

Furthermore, Ghana retrospectively reported two newly
confirmed cases for the first time in 2023, making a total of
123 cases, including four deaths (CFR = 3.3%). The new
cases were reported on 17 January 2023 with no deaths.
Fourteen out of 16 regions, comprising of 55 districts,
have confirmed mpox cases in Ghana since the outbreak
started in 2022. Most cases are concentrated in districts
located in the southern parts of the country. Greater
Accra has the highest number of cases (73), followed
by the Ashanti region (11). Only Ahafo and Savanah
regions have not recorded mpox cases in Ghana. Males
constitute 58.5% (71) of all cases; the median age of all
confirmed cases is 25, however most cases, 93 (75.6%),
are aged 16-39.

The five new cases retrospectively reported in Nigeria
in the past week have increased the number of mpox
cases to 43 in 2023. Nigeria has reported 805 cases from
1 January 2022 to 05 March 2023. The top five states
reporting cases in Nigeria in 2023 include Lagos (15),
Abia (5), Imo (4), Ogun (3), and Edo (3). Together, the
five states reported 30 out of 43 (73.2%) cases in 2023.
Most cases reported in 2023 are males 32 (74.0%), and
a larger proportion is within the21 – 50 years 32 (74.0%)
age group.

Between 1 January 2022 and 05 March 2023, 1 437
laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported from 13
African countries, including Nigeria (805), the DRC (419),
Ghana (123), CAR (27), Cameroon (18), Sudan (18),
Liberia (7), Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin Republic
(3), Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).
The top three countries with the highest number of
confirmed cases include Nigeria 805 (56.0%), DRC 419
(29.2%), and Ghana 123 (8.6%). Together, the three
countries have reported 1 347 (93.7%) of all confirmed
cases.

There are eight countries that recorded ongoing outbreaks
in 2022 with no reported new mpox cases in 2023; Benin,
Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Mozambique, Morocco, South
Africa, and Sudan.

Eighteen (18) deaths have been reported in the African
region since 2022 from Nigeria (8), Ghana (4), Cameroon
(3), CAR (1), Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Efforts are ongoing to strengthen mpox risk
communication and community engagement in the
African region

Identification of target groups for mpox vaccination is
ongoing in African countries

WHO Africa regional office is supporting mpox
surveillance and response.

The WHO AFRO continues to support countries in
researching the potential impact of mpox on both
animal populations and wastewater systems in Africa.

The WHO AFRO continues to support countries
in improving laboratory capacity, information
management, and genomic sequencing

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New mpox cases were retrospectively reported from
DRC, Ghana, and Nigeria in the past week, with no
deaths reported. Africa has been reporting weekly new
mpox cases since January 2023. Five countries have
reported new cases in 2023, including the Central Africa
Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana,
Liberia, and Nigeria.
...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/366418/OEW10-270205032023.pdf

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 12: 13 - 19 March 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 19 March 2023
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Multiple Countries Mpox

1 472 Cases
19 Deaths
1.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The WHO African region received reports of seven new
cases of mpox and 26 retrospectively reported cases in
the past week bringing the total cases reported in 2023 to
231 (16.7% increase). There were three deaths reported
in the past week.

Twenty-six (26) cases were reported for week 9 (ending 05
March 2023) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(DRC) and Nigeria; the seven newly reported cases were
for week 10 (ending 12 March) from Nigeria. Five (5)
African countries (Central African Republic (CAR), DRC,
Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria) have reported mpox cases
in 2023 out of 10 countries reporting mpox in the region.
The number of mpox cases in DRC has increased from
419 to 439 (4.8% increase) as the country retrospectively
reported 19 new cases in week 9. Since the start of 2023,
DRC has reported 192 suspected and 160 laboratory
confirmed cases, of which more than half, 82 (51.3%) of
the cases are females, and most are within the 0-19 age
group 89 (55.8%).

Provinces that have been most affected in 2023 are
Tshopo 70 (43.8%), Tshuapa 50 (31.3%) and Sankuru
21 (13.1%). No laboratory-confirmed death has been
reported in DRC in 2023.

The seven retrospectively and seven newly reported
cases in Nigeria in the past week have increased
the number of mpox cases to 57 in 2023. Nigeria has
reported 820 cases from 1 January 2022 to 19 March
2023. The top five states reporting cases in Nigeria in
2023 include Lagos (19), Abia (5), Edo (5), Ogun (5), and
Imo (4). Together, the five states reported 38 out of 57
(66.7%) cases in 2023. Most cases reported in 2023 are
males 45 (79.0%), and a larger proportion is within the
21 – 50 years 45 (79.0%) age group.

Between 1 January 2022 and 19 March 2023, 1 472
laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported from 13
African countries, including Nigeria (820), the DRC (439),
Ghana (123), CAR (27), Cameroon (18), Sudan (18),
Liberia (7), Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin Republic
(3), Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).

The top three countries with the highest number of
confirmed cases include Nigeria, 820 (55.7%), DRC 439
(29.8%), and Ghana, 123 (8.4%). Together, the three
countries have reported 1 382 (93.9%) of all confirmed
cases.

There are eight countries that recorded ongoing outbreaks
in 2022 with no reported new mpox cases in 2023; Benin,
Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Mozambique, Morocco, South
Africa, and Sudan.

Nineteen (19) deaths have been reported in the African
region since 2022 from Nigeria (9), Ghana (4), Cameroon
(3), CAR (1), Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1).
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Efforts to enhance mpox risk communication and
community engagement and identify priority groups
for vaccination are underway in several African
countries. The WHO Africa regional office provides
technical assistance and coordination to support
these activities.

WHO AFRO is leading efforts to strengthen mpox
surveillance and response across the region, focusing
on improving laboratory capacity, information
management, and genomic sequencing.

WHO AFRO is also working with countries to study
the potential impact of mpox on animal populations
and wastewater systems in Africa.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New mpox cases were retrospectively reported from
DRC and Nigeria in the past week, with one death from
Nigeria. Five countries in the African region have reported
new cases in 2023, including the Central Africa Republic,
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Liberia,
and Nigeria.
...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/366585/OEW12-1319032023.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 18: 24-30 April 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 30 April 2023
...

Multiple Countries

Mpox

1 319 Cases
17 Deaths
1.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Four countries in the WHO African region reported 111
newly confirmed mpox cases in the past two weeks,
resulting in a 7.4% increase. Of all reported cases, 106
new cases were reported from the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (DRC), two from Nigeria, two from Liberia
and one from Ghana.

Only five African countries (Central African Republic
(CAR), DRC, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria) have reported
mpox cases in 2023.

The number of mpox cases in DRC increased by 23.6%
as the country reported 106 new cases in weeks 13, 14
and 15. Since the start of 2023, DRC has reported 277
laboratory-confirmed cases. No laboratory-confirmed
mpox related death has been reported from DRC since
the outbreak in 2022. About half of the 277 cases reported
are males, 145 (52.3%), and a larger proportion is within
the 0 – 19 years, 160 (57.8%) age group.

The two newly reported cases in Nigeria in the past two
weeks have increased the number of mpox cases to 72
in 2023. Nigeria has cumulatively reported 835 cases
from 1 January 2022 to 23 April 2023. The top five states
reporting cases in Nigeria in 2023 include Lagos (20),
Ogun (9), Abia (6), Imo (5), and Edo (4). Together, the
five states reported (61.1%) cases in 2023. Most cases
reported in 2023 are males 52 (72%), and a larger
proportion is within the 21 – 50 years 53 (73.6%) age
group.

Liberia has cumulatively reported 12 cases from 1 January
2022 to 23 April 2023, of which seven were reported in
2023. The five counties reporting cases in Liberia in 2023
include Rivercess (2), Grand Cape Mount (2), Gbarpolu
(1), Nimba (1), and Sinoe (1). Most cases reported since
2022 are males 10 (83.3%), and half are within the 24 – 49
years 6 (50.0%) age group.

Furthermore, Ghana retrospectively reported one newly
confirmed case for week 14 (ending 09 April 2023),
making a total of 125 cases, including four deaths
(CFR = 3.3%). The new case was reported on 02 April 2023
with no deaths. Fourteen out of 16 regions, comprising
55 districts, have confirmed mpox cases in Ghana 2022.
Most cases are concentrated in districts located in the
southern parts of the country. Greater Accra has the
highest number of cases (74), followed by the Ashanti
region (11). Only Ahafo and Savanah regions have not
recorded mpox cases in Ghana. Males constitute 58.9%
(72) of all cases; the median age of all confirmed cases is
26. However, 95 (76.0%) cases are aged 16-39.

Between 1 January 2022 and 30 April 2023, 1 613
laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported from 13
African countries, including Nigeria (835), the DRC (556),
Ghana (125), CAR (29), Cameroon (18), Sudan (18),
Liberia (12), Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin Republic
(3), Morocco (3), Egypt (3), and Mozambique (1).

The top three countries with the highest number of
confirmed cases include Nigeria, 835 (51.8%), DRC 556
(34.5%), and Ghana, 125 (7.7%). Together, the three
countries have reported 1 516 (94.0%) of all confirmed
cases.

There are eight countries that recorded ongoing outbreaks
in 2022 with no reported new mpox cases in 2023; Benin,
Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Mozambique, Morocco, South
Africa, and Sudan.

Nineteen (19) deaths have been reported in the African
region since 2022 from Nigeria (9), Ghana (4), Cameroon
(3), CAR (1), Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The WHO is supporting countries financially and
technically to investigate modes of transmission and
characterize mpox cases in the region.

Ongoing technical support for the countries to identify
target groups for mpox vaccination

WHO is supporting Nigeria and The Democratic
Republic of the Congo in conducting an extensive
epidemiological investigation on mpox

WHO is leading efforts to enhance monkeypox
surveillance and response across the region, focusing
on improving laboratory capacity, information
management, and genomic sequencing.

WHO is collaborating with countries to study the
potential impact of monkeypox on animal populations
and wastewater systems in Africa.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New mpox cases were reported from the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria in the
past two weeks. Five countries have reported new cases
in 2023, including the Central Africa Republic, the DRC,
Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria. DRC and Nigeria have been
reporting weekly new mpox cases since January 2023.
...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/367498/OEW18-2430042023.pdf

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 22: 22-28 May 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 28 May 2023
...

Multiple countries

Mpox

1 616 Cases
19 Deaths
1.2% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

One hundred and thirty-five (135) newly confirmed mpox
cases were reported from four countries in the past
two weeks, increasing the number of cases in Africa
to 1 817 (8.0% increase) since January 2022. Two new
mpox related deaths were reported from the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the same reporting
period. The new cases were reported from DRC (117),
Cameroon (11), Nigeria (5) and Ghana (2). Six (6) African
countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR),
DRC, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria) have reported 576
mpox cases in 2023.

Cameroon reported 11 newly laboratory-confirmed
mpox cases for the first time in 2023. Two of the 11
cases were reported in week 19 (ending 14 May 2023)
and nine in week 20 (ending 21 May 2023). The country
has cumulatively reported 29 cases from 1 January 2022
to 25 May 2023. The 11 confirmed cases in 2023 were
reported from Logbaba district (1) of Litoral region and
two districts, Mbonge (7) and South (3) of South Western
region. Most cases reported in 2023 are males 8 (72.2%)
and 6 (54.5%) are within the 25 – 44 age group.

Since the start of 2023, DRC has reported 460 laboratoryconfirmed
cases. Cumulatively, the Country has reported 739 cases including
117 new cases in weeks 18 (66 cases) and 19 (51 cases).
Additionally, two laboratoryconfirmed deaths were reported from the DRC
for the first time in 2023. More than half of the cases reported in
DRC in 2023 are males (53.5%), and a larger proportion
is within the 0 – 19 years (57.8%) age group.

Five newly confirmed cases were reported in Nigeria in
the past two weeks. Nigeria has cumulatively reported
842 cases from 1 January 2022 to 25 May 2023. The
top five states reporting cases in Nigeria in 2023 include
Lagos (22), Ogun (15), Abia (6), Imo (5), and Rivers (5).
The five states reported (67.1%) of cases in 2023. Most
cases reported in 2023 are males 53 (71%), and a larger
proportion is within the 21 – 50 years 56 (74.7%) age
group.

Furthermore, Ghana retrospectively reported two newly
confirmed cases for weeks 17 (1) and 18 (1), totalling
127 cases, including four deaths (CFR = 3.1%).

Fourteen out of 16 regions, comprising 55 districts, have
confirmed mpox cases in Ghana since 2022. Most cases
are concentrated in districts located in the southern parts
of the country. Greater Accra has the highest number
of cases (75), followed by the Ashanti region (12). Only
Ahafo and Savanah regions have not recorded mpox
cases in Ghana. Males constitute 58.3% (74) of all cases;
the median age of all confirmed cases is 26. However, 97
(76.4%) cases are aged 16-39.

Between 1 January 2022 and 28 May 2023, 1 817
laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported from 13
African countries, including; Nigeria (842), the DRC (739),
Ghana (127), CAR (29), Cameroon (29), Sudan (18),
Liberia (12), Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin Republic
(3), Morocco (3), Egypt (3), and Mozambique (1).
The top three countries with the highest number of
confirmed cases include Nigeria, 842 (46.3%), DRC 739
(40.7%), and Ghana, 127 (7.0%). The three countries
have reported 1 708 (94.0%) of all confirmed cases.
There are seven countries that recorded ongoing
outbreaks in 2022 with no reported new mpox cases in
2023; Benin, Congo, Egypt, Mozambique, Morocco,
South Africa, and Sudan.

Nineteen (21) deaths have been reported in the African
region since 2022 from Nigeria (9), Ghana (4), Cameroon
(3), DRC (2), CAR (1), Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1).
Five deaths have been reported from three countries DRC
(2), Nigeria (2) and CAR (1) in 2023.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Efforts to enhance mpox risk communication and
community engagement and identify priority groups
for vaccination are underway in several African
countries. The WHO Africa regional office provides
technical assistance and coordination to support
these activities.

The WHO AFRO is leading efforts to strengthen
mpox surveillance and response across the region,
focusing on improving laboratory capacity, information
management, and genomic sequencing.

The WHO AFRO is also working with countries to study
the potential impact of mpox on animal populations
and wastewater systems in Africa.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Mpox cases increased in Africa as four and two countries reported new cases and new deaths respectively in the
past two weeks. Six countries have reported new cases in 2023, including Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, the
DRC, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria. Notably, Cameroon reported eleven mpox cases for the first time in 2023, while two
laboratory-confirmed deaths were reported from the DRC for the first time in 2023.

...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/368482/OEW22-2228052023.pdf