Outbreak Report, 13 September 2024: Mpox Situation in Africa

First Mpox Case in North Africa Since Africa CDC Declaration of Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS)

Africa CDC confirms the first Mpox case in North Africa for 2024, reported by Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection on 12 September. A 32-year-old male from Marrakech, currently stable and isolated, tested positive and is receiving treatment. The Moroccan authorities have activated emergency operations, deployed a rapid response team, and begun epidemiological investigations and contact tracing. Further details will follow as they emerge.

Background:
Since the beginning of this year, as of end of week 35th, a total of 26,544 cases of which 5,732 were confirmed and 724 deaths have been reported [case fatality rate (CFR): 2.73%] of Mpox have been reported from 15 African Union (AU) Member States (MS) across ALL FIVE REGIONS of Africa: Central Africa: 23,761 cases of which 5,588 were confirmed; 720 deaths; Eastern Africa: 1,644 cases; of which were 19 were confirmed and 0 deaths; Southern Africa: 24 cases; 24 confirmed cases and 3 deaths; Western Africa: 1,114 cases of which 100 were confirmed and 1 death; Northern Africa: 1 confirmed case and 0 death. Now the case in Morocco is the first case in the region; making the reporting countries this year to be 15. Children <15 years accounted for 41% and males accounted for 63% of all confirmed cases reported on the continent.