The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed a total of 21,466 cases of Mpox and 591 deaths across 13 African countries since the beginning of 2024.
The agency is urging all African Union Member States to approve the use of Mpox vaccines as the continent faces challenges in securing enough vaccines amid global shortages.
The Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, provided this update in a letter addressed to the Ministers of Health of AU Member States. In the letter titled “Update on the Mpox Outbreak in Africa,” Dr. Kaseya called for a comprehensive approach to managing the outbreak.
“From 2023 to date, the Mpox viral zoonotic disease has been reported in 16 African Union Member States in all five AU regions, with a high case fatality rate above 3.9 percent,” he stated.
Dr. Kaseya further explained the situation in 2024, saying, “From 1st January 2024 to 23rd August 2024, a total of 21,466 cases (3,350 confirmed; 18,116 suspected) and 591 deaths with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.9 percent of Mpox have been reported from 13 AU Member States.”
The affected countries include Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Nigeria. He added, “Even as I wrote this letter, Gabon has confirmed its first case, while Sierra Leone and Malawi are now testing their suspected cases.”
Dr. Kaseya emphasized that a holistic approach is needed to effectively diagnose and manage Mpox, especially considering that lab tests alone may not always be reliable. “Some of you are reaching out to us, especially in the context where the lab is negative for Mpox. To better advise you, Africa CDC has also consulted,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of combining lab results with clinical assessments and epidemiological data. “The conclusion is that relying solely on laboratory test results for diagnosing Mpox is not advisable. We need a holistic approach that integrates laboratory testing with clinical assessment and epidemiological data that is essential for accurately diagnosing and managing Mpox,” Dr. Kaseya explained.
Dr. Kaseya also addressed the challenges surrounding Mpox testing. “Regarding the Mpox testing, it can sometimes yield a negative result in the laboratory even when the disease is present due to several factors. The accuracy of Mpox testing depends significantly on when the sample is collected.”
He noted that the symptoms of Mpox, such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, are critical in diagnosing the disease. “A thorough clinical examination is essential, especially when laboratory results are inconclusive or negative. Understanding the patient’s exposure history, such as contact with known cases or travel to areas with ongoing Mpox outbreaks, is crucial.”
The letter also mentioned that only Nigeria, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have approved the use of Mpox vaccines so far. Dr. Kaseya urged other countries to do the same, warning of the risks Africa faces in securing vaccines. “There is a serious risk that Africa will not be considered in the distribution of the vaccines and other medical countermeasures if African leaders don’t come strongly together to make their voice heard on the fight against this disease,” he cautioned.
Dr. Kaseya also expressed concern over the potential for travel restrictions being imposed on Africa if the outbreak is not taken seriously. He emphasized the need for strong communication and awareness efforts, saying, “Suboptimal communication activities to raise awareness of the population and sensitize them for the use of vaccines. Support will be provided for affected countries with the donation of vaccines already secured.”
He concluded by stating the importance of careful planning for the deployment of vaccines, considering the complexities involved. “We need to ensure that regulatory authorities agree to use the vaccines, the supply chain logistics is in place, and communication activities are ongoing to ensure acceptance of the vaccines by the targeted population,” he said.
The Africa CDC continues to work with AU Member States to control the Mpox outbreak and ensure that vaccines and other resources are available to those in need.
