Mpox Cases Decline in 2024: CDC and Africa Update
Mpox cases Declining Across Africa, Suggesting End to Outbreak
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases are largely decreasing across Africa, indicating progress toward ending teh current outbreak that has affected 32 countries on the continent, the African UnionS public health agency announced on January 15, 2026.
CDC Africa Reports Mpox Case Decline in 2024
“The evolution of the curve is normal… with a considerable decrease in the number of confirmed cases. This means that we are reaching a stage where we have more confidence in moving toward the end of the outbreak, but not the end of mpox,” said Yap boum, Deputy Incident Manager at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), during a virtual press conference.
According to the latest data from the Africa CDC, a total of 223,255 cases have been recorded in 32 African countries since the beginning of 2024, including 61 deaths. The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for 95% of reported cases. Nigeria has reported 2.7% of cases, and South Africa 1.3%.
“We are not saying mpox is gone. It is indeed still circulating, but at a much lower level.” – yap Boum, Deputy Incident Manager, Africa CDC
The Africa CDC is urging continued vigilance and sustained surveillance efforts to prevent future outbreaks. They emphasize the importance of maintaining vaccination programs and strengthening public health infrastructure.
Africa CDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union established to support public health agendas.