WHO Warns of Rising Mpox Cases as Clade Ib Spreads Globally
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that mpox, previously known as monkeypox, continues to spread within and beyond Africa. In the last six weeks, 17 African countries have reported active transmission. Between September 14 and October 19, there were 2,862 confirmed cases and 17 deaths, according to WHO’s latest situation report.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Kenya, and Ghana reported the highest case numbers. In Kenya and Liberia, infections rose sharply. However, Congo showed a slight decline, and Ghana recorded early signs of improvement.
Global mpox situation
Globally, 42 countries reported 3,135 confirmed cases and 12 deaths in September. Over 80 percent of infections came from Africa. Although overall cases have dropped, Europe and South-East Asia are seeing a rise again. WHO stated that all virus clades are still circulating. If outbreaks are not contained quickly, wider community transmission could occur.
Earlier this year, WHO lifted mpox’s emergency status after a global decline. However, the organization still warns against complacency.
Spread of the clade Ib strain
New detections of the mpox clade Ib strain have appeared in Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Imported cases have also been reported in Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and Spain. In addition, six countries Italy, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United States confirmed local transmission.
Health officials in California found three patients infected with no travel history, signaling community spread. WHO has now classified these countries as experiencing local transmission of the clade Ib strain.
Risk and response
The WHO confirmed at least five cases among men who have sex with men (MSM), marking the first detection of clade Ib in this group since 2022. The overall risk remains moderate for MSM and low for the general public.
Thirteen African countries, including Kenya, Liberia, Ghana, and Uganda, have launched vaccination campaigns. Over 1.16 million doses have been given so far. Countries are also focusing on testing, contact tracing, and public education.
Strong surveillance and vaccination remain the best tools to slow the mpox clade Ib spread.
