Mpox Outbreaks Surge Across Africa and UAE, Says WHO
The mpox virus (MPXV) is posing a growing challenge globally, with significant outbreaks reported in parts of Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the latest situation report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday.
Africa at the Epicenter
Africa remains the epicenter of mpox infections, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Uganda bearing the brunt of the outbreaks. In the last six weeks from December 23, 2024, to February 2, 2025, Uganda reported the second-highest number of confirmed cases on the continent, signaling a rising trend.
Notably, clade Ib MPXV, first detected in September 2023, has spread to eight provinces in the DRC. It is now causing community transmission in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia, raising concerns about the rapid spread of this new strain.
Global Spread and New Cases in UAE
The WHO report highlights new travel-related cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV in countries such as Thailand and the United Kingdom, which had previously reported cases. Significantly, the UAE reported its first case of mpox caused by clade Ib MPXV on February 7, 2025. The patient is an adult who recently traveled to Uganda. Symptoms began on January 11, 2025, and the case was confirmed on January 18, 2025. The patient is currently receiving care in hospital isolation.
At least seven other cases reported in different countries have been linked to travel from the UAE, suggesting potential community transmission within the country.
Cases Reported in the United States
The New York State Department of Health confirmed its first case of the new mpox strain on Tuesday, making it the fourth known case in the United States. Other cases were reported in California, Georgia, and New Hampshire. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated on Wednesday that the patient had recently traveled from East Africa.
What This Means
The resurgence and global spread of mpox highlight the need for increased vigilance, surveillance, and public health interventions. Communities are urged to stay informed, practice preventive measures, and support efforts to control the spread of the virus.
