WHO Reports Over 3,100 Monkeypox Cases Globally in September

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a total of 3,135 monkeypox cases worldwide in September 2023, with a significant majority—over 80 percent—reported from the African region. This data was released in a report on October 30, highlighting the ongoing spread of the virus across various countries.

The cases were recorded across 42 countries and included 12 deaths. From January to September 2023, WHO noted a cumulative total of 44,299 confirmed cases in 93 nations, resulting in 180 deaths during this period. The report elucidated that the majority of cases continue to originate from Africa, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to outbreaks.

New Cases and Clade Detection

According to the WHO report, Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain have reported the detection of the clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV) for the first time since the last report. This highlights the evolving nature of the outbreak and the potential for new transmission dynamics.

Furthermore, new imported cases of monkeypox caused by clade Ib MPXV have been detected among travelers in countries such as Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and Spain. This trend raises significant public health concerns as it indicates that the virus is not only spreading within endemic regions but is also making its way to non-endemic countries through international travel.

The WHO continues to emphasize the importance of monitoring and controlling outbreaks to prevent further spread and to protect vulnerable populations. The organization is working closely with affected countries to enhance surveillance, improve diagnostics, and implement effective response strategies.

As the global community grapples with the implications of these findings, public health measures are being reinforced to mitigate the risk of further infections and to manage the health crisis effectively.