There is an ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Sierra Leone and Burundi, with new cases reported in previously unaffected countries. Travellers are advised to seek medical attention if exposed.

Since January 2025, the DRC has recorded 22,093 confirmed cases and 51 deaths as of 23 November, affecting all provinces. Uganda, Sierra Leone and Burundi have also reported thousands of cases, primarily from the Clade I strain, which is more deadly and transmissible than Clade II. The DRC has recently detected the Clade Ia variant, with an even higher fatality rate.

Other African countries reporting mpox due to cross-border travel include Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, Cameroon, South Africa, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Togo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Nigeria and others.

Mpox spreads through direct or indirect contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, skin lesions or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include rash, lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Children and people in overcrowded conditions are at higher risk. The outbreak has heavily strained healthcare systems in the DRC, with hospitals, especially in North and South Kivu provinces, operating far beyond capacity.