Mpox, formerly known as monkey pox , is a viral disease that continues to affect communities across the world, including parts of Africa. The illness can cause severe discomfort, and in some cases, lead to serious health complication. Raising awareness about Mpox is important to protecting individuals and families.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus ( MPXV). It is an enveloped double- stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. There are two distinct clades of virus: clade I ( with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II ( with subclades IIa and IIb).
The disease was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys, hence the name monkey pox and the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For many years cases were limited to certain parts of Central and West Africa.
The virus spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has the disease, direct contact with bodily fluids, rashes, or respiratory droplets, and touching contaminated items like clothing, bedding or surfaces. Although most people recover, children, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems face greater risks.
Across Africa, the disease has become a growing concern: the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported more than 6,000 confirmed cases and dozens of deaths in just part of 2024; Burundi has documented over 1,500 confirmed cases; while countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya continue to report outbreaks. By 2025, over 52,000 cases and more than 1,700 deaths had been recorded across 16 African nations, according to health agencies.
Preventive measures such as regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms, and seeking early medical attention remain the best defence. Raising awareness not only helps reduce stigma but also encourages early reporting and strengthens community protection against further spread.
Understanding mpox; its symptoms, transmission, and presence in African countries, empowers individuals and communities. Awareness promotes early detection, counters stigma, and supports prevention; especially when health systems are stretched thin.
With hundreds of thousands of cases across more than two dozen African nations, staying informed and practicing safety measures are critical. Knowledge, vigilance, and community cooperation remain our strongest defenses.
