KINSHASA, DRC — The spread of mpox continues to ravage central African countries, with more than 1,000 new cases reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the span of approximately one week.

Congo has recorded the most cases of mpox compared to any other African nation this year, which is believed to be a conservative estimate due to lack of health infrastructure and resources to combat mpox. Currently, about one in five suspected cases of mpox are being tested in Congo.

According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18,910 mpox cases have been recorded in 2024, and 17,794 of those cases were in Congo.

African health officials said the threat is spreading on the continent, where mpox has been reported in 12 countries so far. Health officials say they are in dire need of vaccines to prevent more infections.

On Monday, Congo’s health minister said the country is awaiting a shipment of it first doses of the mpox vaccine provided by the United States.

Mpox is related to smallpox and mostly spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, such as sexual intercourse. Infections can lead to lesions over most of a person’s body, including the face, arms, hands, chest, legs, and genitals.

More on the spread of mpox and the World Health Organization’s health emergency alert.