WHO Reports 3,135 Confirmed Monkeypox Cases in September

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a total of 3,135 confirmed monkeypox cases worldwide in September 2023, with over 80 percent of these cases originating from the African region. The organization released this information in a report published on October 30, 2023. The confirmed cases were recorded across 42 countries and included 12 fatalities.

Between January and September 2023, the total number of confirmed monkeypox cases reached 44,299 across 93 nations, resulting in 180 deaths. This marks a significant health concern as the disease continues to spread globally.

New Cases and Variants Detected

The WHO’s report noted that several countries have identified the clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV) for the first time. Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain reported detections of this variant.

Furthermore, new imported cases of monkeypox, attributed to clade Ib MPXV, have been identified among travelers. Countries including Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and Spain are among those reporting these cases, highlighting the ongoing global transmission risk associated with the virus.

The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and urges countries to enhance their surveillance and response strategies. The emergence of new variants and imported cases underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to manage the spread of monkeypox effectively.

As health systems adapt to the challenges posed by monkeypox, the WHO emphasizes the importance of public awareness and preventative measures to mitigate further outbreaks and protect communities globally.