ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The number of mpox cases reported in Africa since the start of last year has surpassed 77,800, with the death toll rising to 1,321, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has disclosed.

Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya, addressing an online media briefing on Thursday evening, said the African continent has reported 77,888 mpox cases since the start of 2024, including 16,767 confirmed cases and 1,321 deaths.

Sierra Leone became the latest African country to report mpox cases as it confirmed its first outbreak on Jan. 10, bringing the total number of affected countries to 21, according to Kaseya.

Data from the African Union's specialized healthcare agency show that among the 21 affected countries, 13 are currently experiencing active transmission of the mpox virus.

Noting that eight African countries are currently in the control phase, the Africa CDC chief said that four of these countries -- South Africa, Gabon, Morocco, and Zimbabwe -- have gone more than 90 days without any confirmed mpox cases.

The Central Africa region remains the most affected by the ongoing mpox outbreak, which has affected all five regions of Africa, both in terms of the number of cases and the death toll.

Kaseya outlined the Africa CDC's key priorities for the next three months in the fight against the virus, including intensifying the response in hotspot areas through the deployment of epidemiologists and community health workers.

He said countries need to decentralize mpox testing, enhance laboratory infrastructure, and combat misinformation about the virus.

In mid-August last year, the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly afterward, the World Health Organization designated the viral disease as a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second time in two years it activated its highest level of global alert for mpox.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is a rare viral disease typically transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials. The infection often causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Enditem

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