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

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 22 : 23 - 29 May 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 29 May 2022
...

Monkeypox African region

1 408 cases
66 Death
4.7% CFR


EVENT DESCRIPTION

Human monkeypox cases continue to be reported across the
African region since the beginning of the year. As of 26 May
2022, there have been 1 408 suspected cases with 66 deaths
(case fatality ratio 4.7%) reported from seven countries across
the African region: Cameroon (28 cases with two deaths), Central
African Republic (17 cases with two deaths), Congo (seven cases
with three deaths), Democratic Republic of the Congo (1 284
cases with 58 deaths), Liberia (four cases with zero deaths),
Nigeria (66 cases with one death), and Sierra Leone (two cases
with zero deaths).

A total of 44 cases have been confirmed for monkeypox virus
infection across five countries, namely, Cameroon (three), Central
African Republic (eight), Congo (two), Democratic Republic of
the Congo (10), and Nigeria (21).

Since its first detection in the region in 1970 in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, cases of human monkeypox were reported
sporadically until 2017. Cases spiked in 2017, with a total of 2
828 suspected cases with 69 deaths reported from five countries
and continue to increase annually with a peak of 6 368 suspected
cases with 231 deaths reported from seven countries in 2020.
The reasons for these spikes are not fully known but may be due
to deforestation and the encroachment of people into the habitats
of monkeypox animal hosts. Cases dropped by 49% (n= 3 240)
in 2021 compared to the previous year.

Since 2017, a cumulative total of 23 428 suspected cases with
589 deaths (CFR 2.5%) have been reported from seven countries
across the region. Of these, 409 were laboratory-confirmed for
monkeypox virus infection. The Democratic Republic of the
Congo accounts for the highest burden, reporting 96% (n=22
379) of the cumulative suspected cases since 2017.

Suspected cases of human monkeypox in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo have been reported from 87 health zones
across 18 provinces since the beginning of 2022.

From 1 January – 8 May 2022, a total of 1 284 suspected cases
with 58 deaths (CFR 4.5%) were reported. The most affected
provinces accounting for 71% of the total cases reported in 2022
are Sankuru (n=468, 36.4%), Tshopo (n=169, 13.2%), Ecuador
(n=168, 13.1%), and Tshuapa (n=108, 8.4%). A total of 10 cases
out of 19 sampled were confirmed positive for monkeypox virus
infection.

In Nigeria, 66 suspected cases with one death have been reported
from nine states. Of these, 21 cases were laboratory-confirmed
from the following states: Adamawa (5), Bayelsa (2), Cross River
(2), Delta (2), Federal Capital Territory (2), Imo (1), Kano (2),
Lagos (4), and River (1). One death was recorded in a 40-year-old
male with renal co-morbidity.

See the dashboard below for other countries reporting outbreaks
of monkeypox in the African region.

Most outbreaks across affected countries have occurred in
hard-to-reach forest communities. An increase in the number of
districts reporting cases since 2017 has been observed, indicating
a geographic spread of the disease.

Results of genomic analysis showed two clades, West and Central
Africa, of the monkeypox virus across the African region. While
the Central African clade has been exclusively found in countries of
the Central African belt, the West African clade has been identified
in West Africa and parts of Cameroon. The Central African clade
has been associated with higher virulence than the West African
clade.

The ongoing outbreaks in Congo, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria are
unrelated to the events of monkeypox reported from 23 countries
across the European, American, Eastern Mediterranean, and
Western Pacific Regions. Although epidemiological investigations
are ongoing, no travel or exposure links to areas reporting
monkeypox cases in Africa have so far been established for the
majority of cases reported outside of the African region. The
sudden and unexpected appearance of monkeypox simultaneously
in several countries outside of the African region suggests that
there may have been undetected transmission for possibly an
extended period of time.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

All affected countries have established One-Health
committees to coordinate partners and multi-sectoral
response to the monkeypox outbreaks.
In Nigeria, the National Multisectoral Emergency Operations
Centre has been activated at level 2 to coordinate response
to the outbreak.

As part of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response
(IDSR) strategy, all affected countries have included
monkeypox among the list of priority diseases for immediate
notification.

Surveillance for improved case detection is being
strengthened through training of health workers. In Nigeria,
enhanced surveillance for monkeypox is being conducted in
high burden states such as Delta, Bayelsa, and River states.

Capacity of diagnostic tests are available at national reference
laboratories in Cameroon, Central African Republic,
Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria.

Rapid response teams are being mobilized in Cameroon,
Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria to conduct
detailed epidemiological investigation of monkeypox
outbreak events.

Identified cases are being provided clinical care. In the Central
African Republic, a treatment centre in Mbaïki district, one of
the hotspot areas for monkeypox, has been setup to provide
clinical care for cases.
...
View/Open

OEW22-2329052022.pdf (‎2.568Mb)‎

https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10...+2022&scope=/&rpp=10&sort_by=score&order=desc

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 34: 15 - 21 August 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 21 August 2022
...
Monkeypox Multiple Countries

404 cases
7 Deaths
17.0% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Following the second sitting of the International Health
Regulations (IHR) emergency committee, the Director General
of WHO declared the multi-country Monkeypox outbreak a
public health event of international concern (PHEIC). This was
based mainly on the fact that the outbreak was spreading rapidly
through new modes of transmission, about which too little is
understood and meets the criteria in the IHR 2005.

The multi-country monkeypox outbreak continues to evolve
insidiously in the Africa continent. Between 8 and 17 August 2022,
28 new confirmed cases were reported from three countries in
AFRO region; Nigeria (15), Ghana (12) and South Africa (1), with
no new death reported during the same period. There are eight
countries which have not reported new cases for over 21 days,
the maximum incubation period of the disease.

As of 17 August 2022, there have been 406 confirmed cases
of monkeypox reported in 11 African countries; Nigeria (172),
Democratic Republic of the Congo (163), Ghana (47), Cameroon
(7), South Africa (4), Benin (3), Central Africa Republic (3), Congo
(3), Liberia (2), Morocco (1), Sudan (1), with seven deaths.
These represent 1.0% and 58.0% of global cases and deaths
respectively. The top reporting countries; Nigeria (172 cases)
and Democratic Republic of the Congo (163 cases) account for
83.0% of all confirmed cases in Africa.

Based on 291 confirmed cases with available information on age
and gender, 59% of the confirmed cases are males. The most
affected age groups were between 9 and 32 years, with a median
age of 20 years. While children have also been affected, the
analysis shows that Africa’s young and most active age group is
the most exposed.

Currently, there are two distinct patterns of transmission in
Africa: the first one involves the sporadic transmission of
monkeypox cases in remote rural communities, mainly in Central
Africa around the Congo Basin; and a second insidious sustained
person-to-person transmission in rural-peri-urban-urban
communities, mainly in West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana).
Between 1 January and 17 August 2022, a total of 37 736
laboratory-confirmed cases and 179 probable cases, including
12 deaths, have been reported to WHO from 93 Member States
across all six WHO regions.

The number of weekly reported new cases globally has increased
by 20.3% in week 32 (08 Aug - 14 Aug) (7 477 cases) compared
to week 31 (01 Aug - 07 Aug) (6 217 cases). The 10 most affected
countries globally are: United States of America (11 915), Spain
(5 792), Germany (3 187), The United Kingdom (3 055), Brazil (2
985), France (2 749), Canada (1 059), Netherlands (1 029), Peru
(834), and Portugal (770). Together, these countries account for
88.4% of the cases reported globally.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO continues to provide technical assistance to countries
to enhance their readiness to respond to potential monkeypox
outbreaks promptly and effectively.

A dedicated monkeypox incident management support
system has been established at AFRO and in the respective
countries to strengthen coordination and harmonize the
response.

Surveillance technical guidelines and reporting tools have
been developed and disseminated to all countries to facilitate
case detection, reporting, case investigations, contact tracing
and follow-up.

Standard and community case definitions for Monkeypox
have been incorporated into the priority diseases list and
reporting tools and disseminated to various levels of the
healthcare systems to enhance surveillance.

A system for proactive information and data gathering
using the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS)
platform has been established to improve signal detection
and verification with the national authorities.

An epidemiology analytics cell has been established at AFRO
to improve data capture, management, analysis, interpretation
and use of the resulting information for decision-making.

A monkeypox vaccination strategy has been developed to
guide the identification of high-risk and priority groups for
vaccination.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The multi-country monkeypox outbreak continues to evolve
in Africa, with 11 countries affected from January to August
2022. However, most cases (> 90 %) have been reported in
countries that previously notified monkeypox cases. Ghana and
South Africa need more attention since they have not reported
monkeypox outbreaks previously. Improved case investigations
and testing of suspected cases is required. In addition, enhanced
risk communication and community engagement are needed
to overcome the no urgency attached to monkeypox. WHO
is providing necessary support to improve surveillance and
laboratory capacity, including genomic surveillance in affected
countries.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/362017/OEW34-1521082022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 35: 22 - 28 August 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 28 August 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

449 cases
9 Deaths
2.0% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The African continent continues to respond to the Monkeypox
pandemic, however, with an increasing trend observed
since April 2022. As of August 28 2022, there have been 449
confirmed cases of Monkeypox reported in 11 African countries:
(Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (195), Nigeria (172),
Ghana (56), Cameroon (7), South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3),
Central Africa Republic (CAR) (3), Congo (3), Liberia (2), Sudan
(2), and Morocco (1).

In addition, nine deaths have been reported from Nigeria (4),
Ghana (3), and CAR (2). The number of Monkeypox cases and
deaths in Africa represents 1.0% and 60.0% of global cases and
fatalities, respectively.

The top three countries reporting the highest number of
confirmed cases include; DRC 195 (43.6%), Nigeria 172 (38.5%),
and Ghana 56 (12.5%), accounting for 94.6% (n = 423) of all
confirmed cases. An average age of 21 years has been noted
among all Monkeypox cases reported. Males (59%) have been
more affected than females.

Between 18 and 28 August 2022, 34 new confirmed cases were
reported from three countries in the African region; DRC (32),
South Sudan (1) and South Africa (1). No new country has
reported a monkeypox case in the previous week.

Between 1 January and 28 August 2022, 47 652 laboratory
confirmed Monkeypox cases were reported globally. Similarly, 15
deaths were reported from Brazil (1), Cuba (1), Ecuador (1), India
(1), CAR (2), Spain (2), Ghana (3), and Nigeria (4) across all six
WHO regions. Between 20 and 26 August 2022, there was an
increase of 15% in the number of cases reported globally. During
the period, 23% increase was reported in the WHO Region of the
Americas, 13% in the WHO Western Pacific Region; 8% in the
WHO South-East Asia Region; 7% in the WHO European Region;
and 3% in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO continues to provide technical assistance to countries
to enhance their readiness to respond to potential monkeypox
outbreaks promptly and effectively.

A dedicated monkeypox incident management support
system has been established at AFRO and in the respective
countries to strengthen coordination and harmonize the
response.

Ghana is currently sensitising all regions on the monkeypox
disease and its preventive measures.

Standard and community case definitions for Monkeypox
have been incorporated into the priority diseases list and
reporting tools and disseminated to various levels of the
healthcare systems to enhance surveillance.

Surveillance technical guidelines and reporting tools have
been developed and disseminated to all countries to facilitate
case detection, reporting, case investigations, contact tracing
and follow-up.

A system for proactive information and data gathering using
the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources platform was
established to improve signal detection and verification with
the national authorities.

An epidemiology analytics cell has been established at AFRO
to improve data capture, management, analysis, interpretation
and use of the resulting information for decision-making.

A monkeypox vaccination strategy has been developed to
guide the identification of high-risk and priority groups for
vaccination.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

No new country reported a Monkeypox case in Africa in the
past seven days. DRC, Nigeria and Ghana continue to report the
highest burden of disease. New weekly cases were reported from
three countries in the AFRO region, including the Democratic
Republic of Congo, South Sudan and South Africa. More than
half of the confirmed monkeypox cases are males. Improved case
investigations and testing of suspected cases are required. WHO
AFRO is providing necessary support to improve surveillance and
laboratory capacity, including genomic surveillance in affected
countries.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/362112/OEW35-2228082022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 36: 29 August - 4 September 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 4 September 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries 1.9%

524 cases
10 Deaths
1.9% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The number of newly confirmed monkeypox cases has continued
to increase in African countries since January 2022. Between
August 28 and 4 September 2022, the number of confirmed
monkeypox cases increased by 12.7% (59), with one additional
death reported in Ghana. Within this period, three countries
reported new cases, including Nigeria (48), Ghana (9) and
Morocco (2). In Africa, 11 countries have reported monkeypox
cases, (Nigeria (220), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
(195), Ghana (76), Cameroon (7), South Africa (5), Benin Republic
(3), Central Africa Republic (CAR) (3), Congo (3), Morocco (3),
Liberia (2), and Sudan (2).

Nigeria (42.0%), DRC (37.2%) and Ghana (14.5%) remain
the top three countries reporting the highest number of cases,
accounting for 95.0% of all confirmed cases. More than half
(59%) of monkeypox cases in Africa are males with an average
age of 21 years.

In the past week, Ghana recorded the fourth death, making a total
of 10 deaths in Africa. Nigeria (4), Ghana (3), and CAR (2). The
number of Monkeypox cases and deaths in Africa represents
1.0% and 58.8% of global cases and fatalities, respectively. No
new country has reported a monkeypox case in the previous
week.

Between 1 January and 4 September 2022, 51 163 laboratory
confirmed and 302 probable Monkeypox cases were reported
globally. Similarly, 17 deaths were reported from Belgium (1),
Brazil (1), Cuba (1), Ecuador (1), India (1), CAR (2), Spain (2),
Ghana (4), and Nigeria (4) across all six WHO regions. WHO
Region of the Americas (27 803; 54.3%) and European region (22
648; 44.3%) reported the highest number of cases. The top ten
countries with the highest number of Monkeypox cases include
the United States of America (18 303), Spain (6543), Brazil (4
876), France (3 558), Germany (3 480), The United Kingdom
(3.413), Peru (1.496), Canada (1.228), Netherlands (1,166), and
Portugal (846).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO has developed a policy response tracker to understand
better the characteristics of response measures put in place
by countries and their impact on epidemic trends

Daily tracking, monitoring and response to rumours and
misinformation of monkeypox is currently ongoing in Nigeria

WHO continues to provide technical assistance to countries
to enhance their readiness to respond to potential monkeypox
outbreaks promptly and effectively.

Liberia to conduct refresher training for surveillance officers
and laboratory technicians on case detection and specimen
collection

A dedicated monkeypox incident management support
system has been established at AFRO and in the respective
countries to strengthen coordination and harmonize the
response.

Standard and community case definitions for monkeypox
have been incorporated into the priority diseases list and
reporting tools and disseminated to various levels of the
healthcare systems to enhance surveillance.

Surveillance technical guidelines and reporting tools have
been developed and disseminated to all countries to facilitate
case detection, reporting, case investigations, contact tracing
and follow-up.

A system for proactive information and data gathering using
the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources platform was
established to improve signal detection and verification with
the national authorities.

An epidemiology analytics cell has been established at AFRO
to improve data capture, management, analysis, interpretation
and use of the resulting information for decision-making.


SITUATION INTERPRETATION
No new country reported a Monkeypox case in Africa in the past seven days. One new death was reported in Ghana. Nigeria, DRC,
and Ghana continue to report the highest disease burden. New weekly cases were reported from two countries in the WHO African
region, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than half of the confirmed monkeypox cases are males. Improved
case investigations and testing of suspected cases are required. WHO is providing necessary support to enhance surveillance and
laboratory capacity, including genomic surveillance in affected countries.


https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/362389/OEW36-290804092022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 37: 5 - 11 September 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 11 September 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

590 cases
12 Deaths
2.0% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Africa has
increased by 12.6% from 524 in Week 35 (29 Aug - 04 Sept) to
590 in week 36 (5 Sep - 11 Sep). In the past week, three countries
reported 66 new cases, including Ghana (8) and Liberia (1). An
additional 57 cases were retrospectively reported from Nigeria.
Nigeria recorded two deaths in the past week.

Between 1 January and 4 September 2022, 11 African countries
have reported monkeypox, including nine countries in the WHO
African region (Nigeria (277), Democratic Republic of the Congo
(DRC) (195), Ghana (84), Central Africa Republic (CAR) (8),
Cameroon (7), South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3), Congo (3) and
Liberia (3) and two countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean
Region: Morocco (3) and Sudan (2).

Nigeria (46.9%), DRC (33.1%) and Ghana (14.2%) remain
the top three countries reporting the highest number of cases,
accounting for 94.2% of all confirmed cases. Nigeria recorded
two deaths in the past week, making a total of 12 deaths in Africa;
Nigeria (6), Ghana (4), and CAR (2). The number of Monkeypox
cases and deaths in Africa represents 1.0% and 60.0% of global
cases and fatalities, respectively. No new country has reported a
monkeypox case in the previous week.

Globally, a cumulative total of 54 709 laboratory-confirmed and
397 probable Monkeypox cases have been reported between
1 January and 11 September 2022. Similarly, 20 deaths were
reported from Belgium (1), Cuba (1), Ecuador (1), India (1),
Brazil (2), CAR (2), Spain (2), Ghana (4), and Nigeria (6) across
all six WHO regions. Most cases reported in the past 4 weeks
were notified from the Region of the Americas 30 772 (56.2%)
and the European Region 23 196 (42.4%).

The top ten countries with the highest number of Monkeypox
cases include the United States of America (19 833), Spain (6
749), Brazil (5 525), France (3 646), Germany (3 505, The United
Kingdom (3 484), Peru (1 724), Canada (1 289), Netherlands (1
172), and Colombia (938). Together, these countries account for
87.5% of the cases reported globally.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO is currently supporting affected countries to investigate
the modes of transmission of monkeypox (zoonotic and
urban outbreaks)

An epidemiology analytics cell has been established at
AFRO to improve data capture, management, analysis,
interpretation and use of the resulting information for
decision-making.

Efforts are currently ongoing to understand comorbidities
and other underlying factors (e.g. HIV infection) of deaths
associated with monkeypox

A policy response tracker has been developed and
disseminated to the affected countries to understand better
the characteristics of response measures put in place by
governments and their impact on epidemic trends

WHO continues to provide technical assistance to countries
to enhance their readiness to respond to potential monkeypox
outbreaks promptly and effectively

A system for proactive information and data gathering using
the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources platform was
established to improve signal detection and verification with
the national authorities.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

In the past week, three countries reported new cases (Nigeria,
Ghana, and Liberia) in the African Region. Two new deaths were
reported in Nigeria. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo
and Ghana remain the countries with the highest monkeypox
burden in the past 4 weeks. Enhanced risk communication and
community engagement are needed to address rumours and
misinformation about monkeypox in Africa. WHO AFRO supports
countries in understanding comorbidities and other underlying
factors of monkeypox-related deaths.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/362665/OEW37-0511092022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 38: 12 - 18 September 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 18 September 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

596 cases
13 Deaths
2.2% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Africa increased
by 1.1% to 596 in week 37 (12 Sep – 18 Sep) from 590 in week
36 (5 Sep - 11 Sep), compared to the 12.6% increase between
weeks 35 and 35. In the past week, two countries reported 6 new
cases, including the Republic of Congo (2) and Sudan (4).

Between 1 January and 18 September 2022, 11 African countries
have reported monkeypox, including nine) countries in the
WHO African region (Nigeria (277), Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC) (195), Ghana (84), Central Africa Republic (CAR)
(8), Cameroon (7), South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3), Congo
(5) and Liberia (3) and two in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean
Regional Office countries: Sudan (6) and Morocco (3).

Three countries with the highest monkeypox burden in Africa
include Nigeria (46.5%), DRC (32.7%) and Ghana (14.1%),
accounting for 93.3% of all confirmed cases in Africa. With one
new death from Sudan, the number of Monkeypox cases and
deaths in Africa represents 1.0% and 56.5% of global cases and
fatalities, respectively.

Between 1 January and 18 September 2022, 60 320 laboratory
confirmed and 525 probable Monkeypox cases were reported
globally. Similarly, 23 deaths were reported from Belgium (1),
Cuba (1), Ecuador (1), India (1), Brazil (2), Sudan (1), CAR (2),
Spain (2), Ghana (4), and Nigeria (6) across all six WHO regions.
Most cases reported in the past week were notified from the
Region of the Americas 36 600 (60.7%) and the European Region
23 897 (39.6%).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO is supporting countries in conducting case
investigations, specimen collection, and contact identification
at both national and sub-national levels

Capacity building for data analysis, visualization and
interpretation of monkeypox outbreak dynamics is ongoing
across the member countries

WHO is collaborating with countries to train healthcare
workers on specimen collection, processing, packaging,
storage, transport and manipulation, as well as infection
prevention and control strategies.

Efforts are ongoing to constantly supply health facilities with
equipment (IPC), including personal protective equipment
(gloves, face masks, hydroa-lcoholic gel, etc.)

A policy response tracker has been developed and
disseminated to the affected countries to understand better
the characteristics of response measures put in place by
governments and their impact on epidemic trends

WHO continues to provide technical assistance to countries
to enhance their readiness to respond to potential monkeypox
outbreaks promptly and effectively.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

In the past week, two countries reported new monkeypox cases
(Sudan and Congo) in Africa. One new death was reported in Sudan.
Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana remain the
top countries with the highest number of monkeypox cases. WHO
is supporting countries to enhance media communication to
create public awareness of monkeypox to address rumours and
misinformation about the monkeypox situation in Africa.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/...1218082022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 39: 19 - 25 September 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 25 September 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

577 cases
15 Deaths
2.6% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The number of newly confirmed monkeypox cases in Africa
decreased by 66.7% this week from six in week 37 (12 Sep – 18
Sep) to two new cases in 38 (19 Sep - 25 Sep). In the past week,
two countries reported two new cases, including Cameroon (1)
and Sudan (1).

Between 1 January and 25 September 2022, 11 African countries
have reported 577 monkeypox cases, including nine countries in
the WHO African region (Nigeria (277), Democratic Republic of
the Congo (DRC) (174), Ghana (84), Central Africa Republic (CAR)
(8), Cameroon (8), South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3), Congo
(5) and Liberia (3) and two in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean
Regional countries: Sudan (7) and Morocco (3).

The top three countries with the highest number of monkeypox
cases in Africa include Nigeria (48.0%), DRC (30.2%), and Ghana
(14.6%). The three countries account for 92.7% of all confirmed
cases in Africa. With two new deaths from Cameroon, the number
of Monkeypox cases and deaths in Africa represents 1.0% and
57.7% of global cases and fatalities, respectively.

Between 1 January and 25 September 2022, 64 561 laboratory
confirmed and 3 063 probable Monkeypox cases were reported
globally. Similarly, 26 deaths were reported from Belgium (1),
Cuba (1), Czechia (1), Ecuador (1), India (1), Sudan (1), United
States of America (1), Brazil (2), Cameroon (2), CAR (2), Spain
(3), Ghana (4), and Nigeria (6) across all six WHO regions.

Most cases reported in the past week were notified from the
Region of the Americas 39 355 (61.0%) and the European Region
24 371 (37.7%). Africa region recorded the highest proportion
of global monkeypox deaths (53.8%), followed by the European
region (19.2%) and Region of the Americas (19.2%). Two
regions, Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia reported
one death each (3.8%).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO is providing necessary support to improve surveillance
and laboratory capacity, including genomic surveillance in
affected countries.

Healthcare systems at various levels are currently using the
standard and community case definitions for Monkeypox
designed by the WHO and incorporated into the priority
diseases list and reporting tools to enhance surveillance.
Countries are using the WHO’s technical surveillance
guidelines and reporting tools to facilitate case detection,
reporting, case investigations, contact tracing, and follow-up.
Monkeypox signal detection and verification are being
enhanced through proactive information and data gathering
system using the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources.

An epidemiology analytics cell has been established at AFRO to
improve data capture, management, analysis, interpretation,
and use of the resulting information for decision-making.
WHO has developed a monkeypox vaccination strategy to
guide the identification of high-risk and priority groups for
vaccination.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

No new country has reported a monkeypox case in the previous
week. Two new cases were reported in Africa in the past week;
one from Cameroon and one from Sudan. Two new deaths were
confirmed in Cameroon. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of
Congo, and Ghana remain the top countries with the highest
number of monkeypox cases. WHO continues to support
countries on monkeypox surveillance and laboratory capacity,
including genomic sequencing in the affected countries.

https://extranet.who.int/iris/restricted/bitstream/handle/10665/363303/OEW39-1925092022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 40: 26 September to 2 October 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 2 October 2022
...
Monkeypox Multiple Countries

724 cases
14 Deaths
1.9% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Between 1 January and 2 October 2022, 11 African countries
have reported 724 monkeypox cases and 14 deaths, including
nine countries in the WHO African region (Nigeria (400),
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (190), Ghana (91),
Central Africa Republic (CAR) (9), Cameroon (8), South Africa
(5), Benin Republic (3), Congo (5) and Liberia (3) and two in the
WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional countries: Sudan (7) and
Morocco (3).

Nigeria (55.2%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (26.2%),
and Ghana (12.6%) are the three nations in Africa that have
reported the highest number of monkeypox cases. Together,
these three countries account for 94.1% of all confirmed cases
in Africa. The two deaths reported in CAR were reversed after
a detailed investigation. There have been 14 fatalities and 724
laboratory-confirmed cases of Monkeypox in Africa; these
numbers represent 1.1% and 56% of the total number of cases
and deaths reported worldwide.

Since the start of the monkey pox outbreak in Africa to 02
October 2022, 67 556 laboratory-confirmed and 3 193 probable
Monkeypox cases have been reported globally. Similarly, 25
deaths were reported from Belgium (1), Cuba (1), Czechia (1),
Ecuador (1), India (1), Sudan (1), United States of America (1),
Brazil (2), Cameroon (2), Spain (3), Ghana (4), and Nigeria (7)
across all six WHO regions.

Most cases reported in the past week were notified from the
Region of the Americas 41 966 (62.1%) and the European Region
24 637 (36.5%). Africa region recorded the highest number of
global monkeypox deaths (13), followed by the European region
(5) and the Region of the Americas (5).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO AFRO is collaborating with countries to investigate
modes of transmission of Monkeypox

Countries are using the WHO’s technical surveillance
guidelines and reporting tools to facilitate case detection,
reporting, case investigations, contact tracing, and follow-up

Efforts are ongoing to improve surveillance and laboratory
capacity, including genomic surveillance in affected countries.

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

WHO has developed a monkeypox vaccination strategy to
guide the identification of high-risk and priority groups for
vaccination.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

A monkeypox outbreak continues in Africa, with new cases
reported from two countries in the past seven days. One new death
was confirmed in Nigeria. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, and Ghana have reported the highest caseload. WHO AFRO
has deployed high-level support missions to countries prioritized
for Monkeypox response (DRC, Nigeria, Ghana and CAR).

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/363400/OEW40-260902102022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 41: 3 to 9 October 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 9 October 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

749 cases
14 Deaths
1.9% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The African continent has been responding to the increasing trend
of the Monkeypox pandemic since April 2022. As of 8 October
2022, there have been 749 confirmed cases of Monkeypox
reported in 13 African countries: (Nigeria (400), Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) (190), Ghana (103), Sudan (17),
Central Africa Republic (CAR) (10), Cameroon (8), Congo (5),
South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3), Liberia (2), Morocco (3),
Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).

Between 3 and 9 October 2022, 25 new confirmed cases were
reported in five African countries; Ghana (12), CAR (1), and
Sudan (10); two new countries (Egypt and Mozambique) reported
a monkeypox case each in the previous week.

The top three countries reporting the highest number of confirmed
cases include; Nigeria (53.5%), DRC (25.4%), and Ghana
(13.8%), accounting for 92.8% of all confirmed cases. More than
half (60.8%) of confirmed cases are males with a median age of
23.5 years and an interquartile range of 11 – 35 years.

In addition, 14 deaths have been reported from Nigeria (7), Ghana
(4), Cameroon (2) and Sudan (1). The number of Monkeypox
cases and deaths in Africa represents 1.0% and 53.8% of global
cases and fatalities, respectively.

Between 1 January and 9 October 2022, 71 237 laboratoryconfirmed
Monkeypox cases were reported globally. Similarly,
26 deaths were reported from Nigeria (7), Ghana (4), Brazil
(3), Cameroon (2), Spain (2), the United States of America (2),
Belgium (1), Cuba (1), Czechia (1), Ecuador (1), India (1), and
Sudan (1).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO has deployed high-level support missions to countries
prioritized for Monkeypox response (DRC, the Central Africa
Republic, Ghana and Nigeria).

Efforts are ongoing across countries reporting to identify
modes of transmission of Monkeypox

WHO AFRO is collaborating with countries to understand and
reclassify monkeypox deaths in the region

WHO is supporting the countries in developing National
Monkeypox Strategic Preparedness and Response Plans

Ongoing monkeypox surveillance through a system for
proactive information and data gathering using the Epidemic
Intelligence from Open Sources platform.

Ghana is currently conducting monkeypox health education
at the district and regional levels.

Nigeria is offering off-site support to states on case
identification, reporting and response

Ongoing development of awareness and community
engagement tools in the Central Africa Republic

Ongoing capacity building of providers for case management
and infection prevention and control in the Democratic
Republic of Congo.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Two new countries reported a Monkeypox case in Africa in the
past seven days. New weekly cases were reported from four
countries. Ghana, the Central Africa Republic, Sudan and Egypt
WHO completed high-level support missions for the Monkeypox
response in Ghana.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/363497/OEW41-0309102022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 42: 10 - 16 October 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 16 October 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

890 cases
14 Deaths
CFR 1.6%

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Between 1 January and 16 October 2022, 13 African countries
have reported 890 monkeypox cases, including eleven countries
in the WHO African region (Nigeria (530), DRC (200), Ghana
(104), Sudan (17), Central Africa Republic (CAR) (10), Cameroon
(8), Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3), Liberia (3),
Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).

One new case was reported in Ghana in the past week. An
additional, 140 new cases were reported retrospectively from
Nigeria (130) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
(10) for weeks 39 - 40.

During the same reporting period, 14 deaths have been reported
from Nigeria (7), Ghana (4), Cameroon (2) and Sudan (1). The
number of Monkeypox cases and deaths in Africa represents
1.0% and 50.0% of global cases and fatalities, respectively.

Between 1 January and 16 October 2022, 72 947 laboratory
confirmed and 1 094 probable Monkeypox cases were reported
globally. Similarly, 28 deaths were reported from Nigeria (6),
Brazil (5), Ghana (4), Cameroon (2), Spain (2), United States of
America (2), Belgium (1), Cuba (1), Czechia (1), Ecuador (1),
India (1), and Sudan (1) across all six WHO regions. Most cases
reported in the past week were notified from the Region of the
Americas 46 787 (64.1%), and the European Region 24 999
(32.3%).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

WHO is supporting countries to understand monkeypox
transmission dynamics

WHO deployed high-level mission support to Nigeria, Ghana
and the Central Africa Republic on Monkeypox response

WHO is collaborating with countries to retrain healthcare
workers on specimen collection, processing, packaging,
storage, transport and manipulation, as well as infection
prevention and control strategies?

There is an ongoing policy response tracker project in the
affected countries to understand better the characteristics of
response measures put in place by governments and their
impact on epidemic trends

WHO continues to provide technical support to countries to
develop and finalize strategic preparedness and response
plans to respond to monkeypox outbreaks promptly and
effectively.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

One new case was reported in Ghana in the past week. Additional
cases of monkeypox were reported retrospectively from Nigeria
and the Democratic Republic of Congo. WHO deploys high-level
support missions to countries with high Monkeypox burden
(Nigeria, Ghana, Central Africa Republic and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo).

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/363696/OEW42-1016102022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 43: 17 - 23 October 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 23 October 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

921 cases
15 Deaths
1.6%CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The multi-country monkeypox outbreak has continued to increase
in Africa since April 2022. Between 17 and 22 October 2022, 32
new confirmed cases were reported from four countries in the
AFRO region, including Nigeria (22), the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) (6), Cameroon (2), and the Central African
Republic (1). One death was reported during the same period in
Mozambique.

Between 1 January and 23 October 2022, 13 African countries
have reported 921 monkeypox cases, including Nigeria (530),
DRC (200), Ghana (104), Sudan (17), Central Africa Republic
(CAR) (11), Cameroon (10), Congo (5), South Africa (5),
Benin Republic (3), Liberia (3), Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and
Mozambique (1).

Five countries have reported 15 deaths, including Nigeria (7),
Ghana (4), Cameroon (2), Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1). In
general, the number of Monkeypox cases and deaths in Africa
represents 1.0% and 48.4% of global cases and fatalities,
respectively.

Country specific updates

Mozambique

The only case reported in Mozambique on 6 October by the
Minister of Health was declared dead on 14 October 2022. The
case was a 38 years old female Merchant from Maputo Province
who recently travelled to India on 5 May 2022 and returned to
Maputo on 26 September with transit in Ethiopia. A total of 12
contacts have been identified; all with no symptoms.

Cameroon

Ten confirmed cases had been reported from 48 suspected
cases in Cameroon, with two deaths between 2 January and 23
October 2022 from four regions and seven districts. Majority of
the cases in Cameroon are males, with a male to female ratio of
7:5. Sequencing results revealed that half of the cases reported in
Cameroon belong to Clade I, and the remaining half were Clade II.

Central African Republic (CAR)

The Central African Republic has reported 11 laboratory
confirmed Monkeypox cases with no deaths in 2022. The
geospatial distribution of confirmed cases in 2022 shows that
six (6) health districts of the CAR are affected (Sangha-Mbaéré,
Bangui I, Alindao, Bimbo, Ouango Gambo and Bangassou).
Males are the most affected gender (73%), and the average age
is 19 years, ranging from 4 to 40 years. There is ongoing training
of agents at the central and operational levels on Monkeypox
surveillance and case management.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Ghana has heightened surveillance for Monkeypox in the
regions and districts.

Liberia is to conduct refresher training for surveillance
officers and laboratory technicians on case detection and
specimen collection

Nigeria is providing off-line support on Monkeypox case
identification, reporting, and response

The Central African Republic is mobilizing resources for
the implementation of the response plan developed by the
Ministry of Health

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is developing a
preparedness and response plan against Monkeypox to
categorize health areas according to the epidemiological
profile.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is also building the
capacity of healthcare providers for case management and
infection prevention, and control

WHO is collaborating with countries to send an alert on the
multi-country outbreak of Monkeypox to all levels.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Four countries reported new laboratory-confirmed Monkeypox
cases in the past week. One death was reported in a newly
affected country (Mozambique). WHO AFRO continues to
support countries in determining the region’s causes, type, and
transmission dynamics of Monkeypox. Also, efforts are ongoing
to improve surveillance and laboratory capacity, including
genomic surveillance in affected countries.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/363780/OEW43-1723102022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 44: 24 to 30 October 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 30 October 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

957 cases
15 Deaths
1.6% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Africa increased
by 3.9% to 957 in week 43 (24 Oct – 30 Oct) from 921 in week 42
(17 Oct - 23 Oct). In the past week, three countries reported 36
new cases, including Nigeria (31), Cameroon (2), and Ghana (3).
Between 1 January and 30 October 2022, 13 African countries
have reported 957 monkeypox cases, including Nigeria (583),
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (206), Ghana (107),
Sudan (17), Central Africa Republic (CAR) (11), Cameroon (12),
Congo (5), South Africa (5), Benin Republic (3), Liberia (3),
Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).

Five countries have reported 15 deaths, including Nigeria (7),
Ghana (4), Cameroon (2), Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1). The
deaths in Nigeria and Ghana represent 46.7% and 26.7% of all
Monkeypox related deaths in Africa.

Country specific updates

Ethiopia

Suspected Monkeypox cases were reported in the past week at
Mekane Selam IDP collective site in Borena Woreda in South
Wollo Zone, Amhara region. A total of 12 suspected cases were
identified and documented in the IDP collective site, with no
deaths reported. Five samples of the 12 suspected cases were
collected and sent to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)
for confirmation.

Ghana

Ghana is one of the four African countries with a high Monkeypox
burden alongside Nigeria and DRC. Ghana has reported new
weekly cases in the past two weeks and three new cases between
24 to 30 October 2022. A total of 107 Monkeypox cases and four
deaths have been reported in Ghana from 1 January to 30 October
2022. Males form the majority of confirmed Monkeypox cases,
with more than half 65 (61.9%), and all four recorded deaths were
males.

Nigeria

Nigeria has the highest number of Monkeypox cases in Africa
(583, 61%) and has consistently reported new cases weekly
since May 2022. In the past week, 31 new cases were reported
in Nigeria from 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with
no death recorded. The majority, 19 (61%) of the new cases,
were males, almost similar to 66% of all cases seen in 2022
that were males. Collaboration and data harmonization between
laboratories, surveillance and case management are ongoing at
all levels in Nigeria to enhance surveillance.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Monkeypox cases continue to increase in Africa, but no new
death has been reported in the past week. All cases reported in
the past week were from countries that have previously recorded
Monkeypox. Suspected cases in Ethiopia are being investigated.
Enhanced Monkeypox surveillance collaboration between WHO
and countries continues to yield results with observed improved
early detection and reporting. WHO is supporting researchers to
investigate the causes and characterize Monkeypox in Africa.

...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/364078/OEW44-2430102022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 45: 31 October - 6 November 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 6 November 2022
...

Monkeypox Multiple Countries

980 cases
15 Deaths
1.5% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In the past week, 21 newly confirmed Monkeypox cases were
reported in Africa, showing a decline of 15 (41.7%) from 36
cases in week 43 (24 – 30 October). Three countries reported
new laboratory-confirmed cases in the past week, with the
highest number (19) from Nigeria while Central Africa Republic
(CAR) and Ghana reported one case each.

Between 1 January and 6 November 2022, 13 African countries
have reported 980 Monkeypox cases, including Nigeria (604),
the Democaratic Republic of the Congo (206), Ghana (107),
Sudan (18), Cameroon (12), CAR (12), Congo (5), South Africa
(5), Benin Republic (3), Liberia (3), Morocco (3), Egypt (1), and
Mozambique (1).

Five countries (Benin, Congo, Liberia, Morocco, and South
Africa,) have not reported new cases in the past 21 days. The
average age of Monkeypox cases reported in Africa is 25.7 years,
ranging from 0-87 years, and the majority are males (62.4%).
Fifteen deaths have been reported in the continent in 2022 from
Nigeria (7), Ghana (4), Cameroon (2), Mozambique (1), and
Sudan (1). The deaths in Nigeria and Ghana represent 46.7% and
26.7% of all Monkeypox deaths in Africa.
Country specific updates

Central Africa Republic (CAR)

There have been outbreaks of Monkeypox reported in the
southwestern part of CAR annualy since 2018. However, there has
been a trend of expansion towards areas with high populations
between 2020 and 2022. In 2022, 12 confirmed cases have been
reported in the country, including one new case in the past week.
In addition to the one confirmed case, samples were taken from
27 uspected cases in Mbaïki central prison in the past week, but
all tested negative for Monkeypox.

Ethiopia

Although no cases of Monkeypox have been reported in Ethiopia,
the country has increased the outbreak surveillance due to
the high likelihood of its occurrence. Ethiopia has reported 23
suspected Monkeypox cases since October 2022 with no deaths.
Of all total cases, 14 (61.0%) were females, and 7 (39.0%) were
males. None of the listed suspected cases has either travel or
exposure history. Laboratory results of the five samples sent
for laboratory testing are still awaited. Currently, no confirmed
Monkeypox cases have been reported in the country. WHO
continues to support public health response activities with
Ethiopia Zonal Health Departments.

Nigeria

Nigeria has reported 604 confirmed cases and seven deaths
between 1 January and 6 October 2022. Three states are
responsible for about 39% of confirmed cases, including Lagos
(154), Abia (46), and Bayelsa (36). In the past week, Nigeria
reported 90 suspected cases, of which 19 confirmed positive
for Monkeypox from Lagos (6), Bayelsa (3), Delta (2), Imo (2),
Kaduna (2), Abia (1), FCT (1), Ogun (1) and Plateau (1) but
no new death. More than half (66.0%) of the cases reported in
Nigeria in 2022 were males, and 34% were females.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to train
response teams on Monkeypox surveillance and reporting at
all levels

Nigeria intensifies surveillance through follow-up calls and
emails to Monkeypox-surveillance teams in States and local
government

Ongoing enhanced regional Monkeypox surveillance and
response in Ghana

Ongoing Monkeypox awareness among medical staff and the
community in Cameroon

Ongoing orientation on quality specimen collection, case
definition, screening and reporting of suspected monkeypox
cases for surveillance officers, laboratory personnel from 15
counties and point of entry staff in 4 counties in Liberia

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

All new Monkeypox cases reported in Africa in the past week
were from countries that have previously recorded cases, but no
new death was reported. There was an increase in the number of
suspected cases in Ethiopia, however no laboratory confirmation
has been done. Nigeria has the highest Monkeypox burden,
with more than half of all cases reported in Africa. WHO begins
vaccination plan for Democratic Republic of the Congo and
Nigeria.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/364336/OEW45-311006112022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 51: 12 to 18 December 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 18 December 2022
...

Mpox (Monkeypox) Multiple Countries

1 150 cases
16 Deaths
1.5% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Between 1 January and 16 December 2022, 13 African countries
reported 1 150 Mpox cases, including Nigeria (704), DRC (257),
Ghana (116), Sudan (18), Cameroon (18), CAR (13), Congo (5),
South Africa (5), Liberia (4), Benin Republic (3), Morocco (3),
Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1).

Sixteen deaths have been reported in the continent in 2022 from
Nigeria (7), Ghana (4), Cameroon (3), Mozambique (1), and
Sudan (1). The deaths in Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon represent
43.8%, 25.0% and 18.8% respectively of all Mpox deaths in
Africa.

Eight countries including Benin, Cameroon, CAR, Congo,
Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, and Sudan have not
reported new cases in the past 21 days. The mean age of Mpox
cases reported in Africa is 23.5, ranging from 0-87 years, and the
majority are males (60.8%).

Country specific updates

Ghana

Ghana has reported 116 Mpox cases in 2022 and four deaths
from 14 out of 16 regions. Only Ahafo and Savannah regions
have not been affected. National Mpox Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is
3.5%. The Greater Accra Region has the highest number of cases
for both suspected (348) and confirmed (69, 59.5%). Four (4)
confirmed Mpox-related deaths were reported from Upper East
Region – 2, Greater Accra – 1 and Central Region – 1. Mpox
cases have been confirmed in all age categories, but more than
half are aged between 16 to 39 years. Males form the majority of
cases (59.5, with 69 confirmed cases reported.

Ghana has alerted all regions on the multi-country outbreak
of Mpox, and the factsheet on Mpox was circulated widely,
particularly to health workers. The individual regions are
investigating and responding to cases while there is ongoing
health education through various channels on the Mpox disease
and its preventive measures.

Nigeria

Nigeria has reported 704 confirmed cases and seven deaths
between 1 January and 18 October 2022. Three states are
responsible for about 38% of confirmed cases, including Lagos
(172), Abia (55), and Bayelsa (42). Despite the high Mpox
burden in Nigeria, four states have not reported any Mpox cases,
including three states from the North (Sokoto, Jigawa, and Yobe)
and one (Ekiti) from the South.

Most of the Mpox cases reported in Nigeria were among males
463 (66%) and predominantly among those aged 21-40 years.
Nigeria is working on the development and review of Mpox
home management protocols as well as the analysis of signs and
symptoms.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Affected countries are actively searching their surrounding
borders for Mpox cases

Nigeria continues to follow up with Mpox-surveillance teams
in States and local governments through phone calls and
emails

Risk communication and community engagement ongoing
in Nigeria, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
and other affected countries

Surveillance for Mpox has been heightened in the regions
and districts in Ghana. There is an ongoing compilation
of National Mpox situation reports for dissemination to
stakeholders in Nigeria and Ghana. Capacity building for
genomic sequencing for Mpox has started in highly burdened
countries (Ghana, Nigeria, CAR)

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The number of Mpox cases in Africa has been declining over the
past four weeks, with no new cases or deaths reported in the past
seven days. . Over half of the affected countries have not had any
new cases in the past three weeks. The WHO AFRO continues to
support improving surveillance and laboratory capacity, including
genomic surveillance, in affected countries.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/365386/OEW51-1218122022.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 52: 19 to 25 December 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 25 December 2022
...

Mpox (Monkeypox) Multiple Countries

1 219 cases
16 Deaths
1.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The number of newly confirmed Mpox in Africa declined by
62.5% in week 51 (19 to 25 December 2022, n = 9), compared to
week 50 (12 - 18 December, n = 24).

Between 1 January and 25 December 2022, 13 African countries
reported 1 219 Mpox cases, including Nigeria (753), DRC (277),
Ghana (116), Sudan (18), Cameroon (18), CAR (13), Congo (5),
South Africa (5), Liberia (4), Benin Republic (3), Morocco (3),
Egypt (1), and Mozambique (1). Sixteen (16) deaths have been
reported in the continent in 2022 from Nigeria (7), Ghana (4),
Cameroon (3), Mozambique (1), and Sudan (1).
The top three countries with the highest number of confirmed
cases include, Nigeria (61.8%), DRC (22.7%) and Ghana (9.5%),
constituting 94.0% of all confirmed cases.

Benin, Cameroon, CAR, Congo, Morocco, Mozambique, South
Africa, and Sudan have not reported any new cases in the past 5
weeks. At the same time, Liberia has not reported any new cases
in the past 21 days. The predominant Mpox signs and symptoms
include fever (75%), rash (75%), lymphadenopathy (50%), pain
(37.5%), dysphagia (31.2%), and headache (25%).
Country specific updates

Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo has reported five laboratory-confirmed
Mpox cases in 2022 from 49 suspected cases. The first case
was a 10-year-old child who had a fever followed by a localized
maculopapular rash on the face and trunk since August 27, 2022.
In the past week, the laboratory results of 17 suspected cases
reported in the country tested negative for Mpox. Congo has
intensified surveillance in all high-risk zones.

Nigeria

Nine newly confirmed cases were reported in Nigeria in the past
week, making a cumulative total of 753 confirmed cases and
seven deaths in 2022. With a new case reported in Ekiti state
in week 50, the number of affected states has increased to 33.
The average number of suspected cases in the past ten weeks
is 74 per week (Min = 51; Max = 111). The average number of
confirmed cases is 22 per week (Min = 9; Max = 36), with an
average proportion of positive cases being 30% per week (Min =
17%; Max = 47%).

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Cameroon is thoroughly investigating Mpox cases in the
Health Districts of Kumba, Mbonge and Bamenda

The Republic of Congo has strengthened case surveillance
in all affected villages and their surroundings by creating
surveillance cells in the affected villages

Ghana heightens surveillance for Mpox in the regions and
districts across the country

Ongoing epidemiological investigation in health districts
with difficult access in the Central Africa Republic

WHO supports, monitoring and communicates the Mpox
situation in collaboration with the South Wolo Zone health
department and Borena Woreda Health Office in Ethiopia

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Mpox has continued to decline in Africa since October 2022. No
new death was reported in Africa in the past week. Twenty-nine
new cases were reported in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic
of Congo.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/365480/OEW52-1925120222.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

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

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 3: 9 to 15 January 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 15 January 2023
...

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...EW03-915012023-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 4: 16 to 22 January 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 22 January 2023
...

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

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

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

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...EW06-300105022023.pdf?sequence=10&isAllowed=y

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

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

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