Central African Origin of Clade I Mpox Outbreak Revealed
In recent times, the world has been witnessing an outbreak of Mpox, a viral disease that belongs to the same family as smallpox. This outbreak, primarily occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries in Central and East Africa, has been caused by viruses of clades Ia and Ib.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024, due to the rising case numbers. However, on September 5, 2025, the WHO ended this status as the number of cases began to decline.
Since January 1, 2024, the DRC and several neighboring countries have reported over 40,000 Mpox cases and more than 100 deaths. The disease has also spread to other parts of Africa, as well as to Australia, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.
Despite the global spread, the risk of Mpox to the public in the U.S. remains low. It's important to stay informed and follow public health guidelines to protect oneself and others.
The exact number of laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths for this outbreak are not explicitly stated in the sources. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to refer to reputable health organisations such as the WHO or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As always, it's crucial to prioritize personal and public health, and to adhere to guidelines issued by health authorities during outbreaks of infectious diseases.
