The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a total of 3,135 confirmed monkeypox cases worldwide for the month of September 2023. The majority of these cases, over 80 percent, were recorded in the African region. The report, released on October 30, 2023, also highlighted that the cases spanned across 42 countries and included 12 fatalities.
From January to September, the total number of confirmed monkeypox cases reached 44,299 across 93 nations, resulting in 180 deaths. The alarming rise in cases has prompted health officials to intensify monitoring and response efforts.
Emergence of New Cases and Variants
The report noted that several countries, including Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, have reported detections of the clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV) for the first time. This development raises concerns about the potential spread of new variants.
Additionally, new imported cases of monkeypox due to clade Ib MPXV have been detected among travelers in countries such as Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and Spain. The increase in cases in various regions underscores the need for enhanced public health measures and vigilance.
The WHO continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the spread of the virus. As the situation evolves, health authorities around the world are urged to remain alert and prepared for any further developments related to monkeypox.
With ongoing monitoring and coordinated efforts, officials aim to control the outbreak and protect public health.
