Mpox Dashboard
Overview
Mpox has been historically reported in several countries in West and Central Africa (WCA). This distribution of mpox virus is attributed to the fact that it is naturally harboured by animals found in this part of Africa. It is believed that rodents, most likely certain species of squirrels found in the deep forested areas of this region in Africa, may be the natural host of the virus.
Mpox infections in humans have, historically, been noted in these countries, albeit at a relatively low level. However, since the 1990s, there have been more cases, and factors that have contributed to this, including the discontinuation of smallpox vaccinations, increased contact with wildlife due to population migration and deforestation, the consumption of bushmeat, and increased population densities. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen an increase in mpox cases between 2008 and 2018, and in 2017, the disease returned to Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases in areas of Central and East Africa this year [2024] is unprecedented. In mid-August, WHO and Africa CDC declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and public health emergency of continental security (PHECs), respectively.
Explore our comprehensive Mpox Dashboard, providing real-time data and insights to track mpox in both the public and private healthcare sectors.
