WHO Reports 2,501 New Mpox Cases and 12 Deaths in October

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a total of 2,501 new confirmed mpox cases and 12 associated deaths across 44 countries in October 2023, according to its latest global situation update released on December 9. This uptick highlights the ongoing presence of all known clades of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) worldwide, indicating a significant risk of continued community transmission when outbreaks are not promptly managed.

Between October 12 and November 23, 21 African nations recorded ongoing mpox transmission, contributing to 1,734 confirmed cases and 10 deaths. The countries with the highest caseloads included the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. Notably, Mali reported its first mpox cases during this period.

The report also noted new imported cases of clade Ib MPXV among travellers in Belgium, Germany, Greece, and the United Kingdom. Between September 5 and November 24, a total of 43 confirmed clade Ib infections were identified across six WHO regions, occurring in areas without established community spread. This includes 24 cases in the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Western Pacific, notably involving individuals who had not recently travelled internationally, suggesting the emergence of local transmission.

As a result, countries such as Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United States are now classified as experiencing community-level transmission of clade Ib MPXV. The report indicated that half of the 43 reported cases were among men who have sex with men (MSM), while other cases were linked to travel to areas with known local transmission or contact with infected individuals.

Despite the rising number of cases, the WHO assesses the public health risk from clade Ib MPXV as moderate for MSM with new or multiple partners and low for the general population. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, primarily spreads through close physical contact. Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, sore throat, a characteristic skin rash, and back pain.

As the situation evolves, the WHO continues to monitor the outbreak closely, emphasizing the importance of rapid response measures to contain the spread of the virus effectively.