World Health Organization official statements or press releases

Congo's Largest Mpox Outbreak Ever with 19,919 Cases, 975 Deaths Declared Global Threat

May 16, 2024, 06:18 PM

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing its largest mpox outbreak ever, driven by a new, ultra-infectious, and deadly strain known as clade I. The outbreak has resulted in 19,919 cases and 975 deaths. The CDC has issued warnings about the potential for the virus to spread to other countries, including the United States. U.S. officials are urging people at risk to get vaccinated as they brace for a possible resurgence of the disease. The serial interval for the infection has shortened to 8.7 days in 2022, compared to 14.2 days in previous years. The CDC has termed this outbreak a 'global threat.'