• The recent WHO Mpox External Situation Report provides an overview of the global Mpox outbreak status.

• The report indicates that there have been 97,745 confirmed cases and 203 deaths across 116 countries worldwide, with South Africa experiencing a severe outbreak with a high case fatality rate.

• In May 2024 alone, there were 646 new cases and 15 deaths, primarily in the African, European, and American regions.

• However, the report acknowledges that underreporting, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), remains a significant challenge.

• The data shows that the majority of cases (96.4%) are male, predominantly within the 18-44 age group, with sexual contact being the primary mode of transmission.

• Common symptoms include a rash and fever, and the report highlights a notable 51.9% co-infection rate with HIV.

• In response, the WHO recommends targeted vaccination for high-risk groups and emphasizes the ongoing need for robust public health interventions and accurate reporting to manage the outbreak effectively.

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