The number of mpox cases in Ethiopia has surged to 18, prompting authorities to intensify health monitoring and inspection efforts across the country. The Ministry of Health reported that in the past two days alone, 12 new cases were confirmed, increasing the total from the initial case detected just a couple of weeks ago.
Ethiopia’s first mpox case was identified on May 25 in Moyale, a town situated near the border with Kenya. The infected individual was a 21-day-old infant, marking a concerning start to the country’s encounter with the virus. Since then, the virus has gradually spread, resulting in 18 cases to date. Alongside these cases, there has been one death linked to the disease, and two patients have recovered. Currently, 15 active cases are being treated in isolation to prevent further transmission.
In response to the outbreak, the Ethiopian government has stepped up coordinated health monitoring and inspection measures, especially in the southern regions where the initial cases were detected. This heightened vigilance aims to prevent a larger outbreak and to quickly identify and isolate new cases. The government’s response also includes increasing public awareness about mpox symptoms and transmission modes to encourage early reporting and treatment.
The proximity of Moyale to neighboring countries, especially Somalia and Kenya, raises concerns about the potential for cross-border spread. Health authorities are particularly cautious given the town’s role as a transit point, which could facilitate the virus’s movement across the East African region. This situation underscores the importance of regional cooperation in disease surveillance and response efforts.
Across the African continent, mpox has been a growing health challenge. Since 2024, the continent has reported over 140,000 cases, with more than 35,000 confirmed and nearly 1,800 deaths attributed to the virus. These figures highlight the ongoing risk and the need for continued vigilance to curb the spread of mpox.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is considered rare but contagious, spreading through close contact with infected body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials such as bedding and clothing. Symptoms typically include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can be severe in some cases, particularly in young children, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women.
Efforts to contain mpox focus on isolation of cases, contact tracing, public education, and in some cases, vaccination of high-risk groups. Ethiopia’s ongoing response reflects the urgency of controlling the virus’s spread while safeguarding public health. With continuous monitoring and collaboration at both national and regional levels, authorities aim to prevent a broader outbreak and mitigate the impact of mpox on communities.
