Monkeypox Virus Cases in the World 2024: Country List and Insights
The global health community remains vigilant as monkeypox virus cases in the world 2024 continue to evolve. This infectious disease, once considered rare, has spread to various regions, prompting researchers and health officials to closely monitor its progression. The changing landscape of monkeypox infections has raised concerns about public health preparedness and the need to enhance surveillance efforts worldwide.
To understand the current situation, this article provides a comprehensive overview of Monkeypox Virus Cases in the World 2024: Country List and Insights. It examines the global distribution of cases, highlights the nations most affected by the virus, and identifies emerging hotspots. Additionally, the article explores recent outbreaks and their potential impact on global health strategies. By analyzing this data, readers will gain valuable insights into the ongoing challenges posed by monkeypox and the international response to contain its spread.
Global Overview of Monkeypox Cases in 2024
Current Statistics
The global health community continues to monitor the spread of monkeypox virus cases in 2024. As of June 2024, a total of 934 new laboratory-confirmed cases and four deaths were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from 26 countries [1]. This data highlights the ongoing transmission of monkeypox across the world. However, it's important to note that the current reported global figures likely underestimate the actual number of cases due to declining reporting from countries to WHO [1].
Comparison with Previous Years
The monkeypox situation in 2024 shows a concerning trend compared to previous years. In the first six months of 2024, the number of monthly confirmed mpox cases reported globally fluctuated between 700 and 1000 cases, averaging 866 cases per month [1]. This represents a significant increase from earlier periods, particularly in certain regions.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen a sharp rise in cases, with 16,789 cases (14,151 suspected and 2,638 confirmed) reported in 2024, including 511 deaths [2]. This marks a substantial increase from previous years and has led to DRC featuring among the top ten countries with the highest cumulative number of confirmed cases globally for the first time [1].
Geographical Distribution
The geographical distribution of monkeypox cases in 2024 reveals a complex picture:
African Region: This region reported the highest number of cases (567) in June 2024, with DRC accounting for 96% of the confirmed cases [1].
Region of the Americas: 175 cases were reported in June 2024 [1].
European Region: 100 cases were confirmed in June 2024 [1].
Western Pacific Region: 81 cases were reported in June 2024 [1].
South-East Asia Region: 11 cases were confirmed in June 2024 [1].
The African continent has been particularly affected, with 14,719 suspected and 2,822 confirmed mpox cases reported in 2024, including 517 deaths [2]. Thirteen African Union Member States have reported cases, including Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, DRC, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda [2].
The emergence of a new virus strain, clade 1b, in DRC and its detection in neighboring countries has raised significant concerns [1]. This development, along with the overall increase in cases, led to the declaration of monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO Director-General on August 14, 2024 [2].
Top 10 Countries with Highest Monkeypox Cases
Case Numbers
From January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, the ten countries that reported the highest cumulative number of confirmed mpox cases globally are:
- United States of America (33,191 cases)
- Brazil (11,212 cases)
- Spain (8,084 cases)
- France (4,272 cases)
- Colombia (4,249 cases)
- Mexico (4,124 cases)
- United Kingdom (3,952 cases)
- Peru (3,875 cases)
- Germany (3,857 cases)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (2,999 cases)
These ten countries account for 81% of the cases reported globally [1]. It's worth noting that this marks the first time the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has featured among the top ten countries with the highest cumulative number of confirmed cases globally [1].
Factors Contributing to High Cases
Several factors have contributed to the high number of cases in these countries:
Sexual transmission: Sexual contact is the most commonly reported mode of transmission, accounting for 83.8% of reported cases [1].
HIV status: Approximately 51.9% of cases with available information on HIV status are reported to be in persons living with HIV [1].
Demographics: Males from 18-44 years of age continue to be disproportionately affected, accounting for 79.4% of reported cases [1].
New virus strain: The emergence of a new variant of the clade I virus, called clade Ib, which is thought to cause more severe disease, has contributed to the surge in cases, particularly in Africa [3].
Government Responses
Governments and international organizations have taken various steps to address the mpox outbreak:
Public Health Emergency declarations: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern [4].
Vaccine donations: The United States is donating 50,000 doses of the FDA-approved JYNNEOS vaccine to the DRC [4].
Financial support: The United States has provided an additional $17 million USD to support clade I mpox preparedness and response efforts in Central and Eastern Africa [4].
Enhanced surveillance: Countries have implemented stronger surveillance, risk communication, and community engagement efforts [4].
Travel advisories: The U.S. CDC issued an updated Travel Health Notice recommending enhanced precautions for travelers to the DRC and neighboring countries [4].
These responses aim to contain the spread of mpox and mitigate its impact on global health.
Emerging Hotspots and New Outbreaks
Newly Affected Countries
The mpox outbreak has expanded to previously unaffected African nations, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda [5]. In the past month, over 100 laboratory-confirmed cases of clade 1b have been reported in these four countries neighboring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) [6]. Experts believe the actual number of cases to be higher, as many clinically compatible cases have not undergone testing [6].
The Africa CDC reports a significant increase in mpox cases across the continent, with a 160% rise in cases and a 19% increase in deaths compared to the same period in 2023 [5]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa in 2024 so far, surpassing figures from 2023 [5].
Potential Causes of Spread
Several factors contribute to the spread of mpox:
Animal-to-human transmission: The virus can spread through direct close contact with infected animals, their fluids, or waste [7]. Activities such as hunting, trapping, or processing infected wild animals in endemic areas pose a risk [7].
Human-to-human transmission: Close physical contact, including sexual contact, has been identified as a primary mode of transmission [1].
Environmental contamination: The virus can persist on clothing, bedding, and surfaces, leading to potential infection through contact with contaminated items [8].
New virus strain: The emergence of clade Ib, a new variant thought to cause more severe disease, has contributed to the surge in cases, particularly in Africa [3].
International Health Organization Responses
In response to the escalating situation, several actions have been taken:
The Africa CDC declared the mpox clade I outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security [4].
The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern [4].
The U.S. CDC issued an updated Travel Health Notice, recommending enhanced precautions for travelers to DRC and neighboring countries [4].
WHO is collaborating with countries and vaccine manufacturers on potential vaccine donations and coordinating with partners to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools [6].
These responses aim to curb the spread of mpox and mitigate its impact on global health.
Conclusion
The global landscape of monkeypox cases in 2024 paints a picture of ongoing challenges and evolving responses. The surge in cases, particularly in African nations, and the emergence of new virus strains have a significant impact on public health strategies worldwide. These developments underscore the need to enhance surveillance efforts, boost vaccine distribution, and strengthen international cooperation to tackle this growing health concern.
As we look ahead, the fight against monkeypox calls for continued vigilance and adaptability. The disproportionate effect on certain demographics and regions highlights the importance of targeted interventions and equitable access to healthcare resources. By learning from current outbreaks and refining our approach, the global community can work together to curb the spread of monkeypox and minimize its impact on public health in the years to come.
FAQs
1. Which country currently has the highest number of monkeypox cases?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported the highest number of monkeypox cases, accounting for 96% of all cases in Africa. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a global health emergency, with over 17,000 cases confirmed across the continent.
2. In which countries is monkeypox currently spreading?
Monkeypox, also referred to as mpox, has been confirmed in over a dozen African countries this year, prompting the declaration of a global health emergency. The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing the most significant outbreak.
3. How many monkeypox cases have been reported in the United States this year?
The United States has recorded over 1,000 cases of monkeypox, also known as mpox, this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. None of these cases involve the Clade I strain, which is currently prevalent in the African outbreak.
4. Is there an ongoing monkeypox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2024?
Yes, the Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing an ongoing monkeypox outbreak in 2024, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported since the start of the year. The virus is spreading through human-to-human transmission.
References
[1] - https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20240812_mpox_external-sitrep_-35.pdf?sfvrsn=ee6307a_3&download=true
[2] - https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/mpox-risk-assessment-monkeypox-virus-africa-august-2024.pdf
[3] - https://www.newsweek.com/mpox-update-map-global-cases-1941738
[4] - https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/08/14/united-states-governments-response-clade-i-mpox-outbreak-democratic-republic-congo-other-countries-region.html
[5] - https://www.ajmc.com/view/who-declares-another-mpox-global-emergency-what-americans-should-know
[6] - https://www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024-who-director-general-declares-mpox-outbreak-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern
[7] - https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/if-sick/transmission.html
[8] - https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1153361
