Full Breakdown
Congo Declares End of Mpox Outbreak After Two Years
4/2/2026, 11:50:50 PM
Overview of the Mpox Outbreak
On April 2, 2026, the Democratic Republic of Congo officially declared the end of a two-year outbreak of mpox, a viral disease that has been linked to over 2,200 suspected deaths in the country. Health Minister Roger Kamba announced that the outbreak was no longer considered a national emergency. The outbreak, which began in 2024, not only affected Congo but also spread to neighboring countries, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify it as a global health emergency.
Impact and Statistics
During the outbreak, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported more than 161,000 suspected cases of mpox in Congo, with approximately 37,000 confirmed through laboratory testing. The Africa CDC noted that while there were 2,286 suspected deaths attributed to the disease, only 127 of these deaths were confirmed by tests. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was first identified in 1958 and has historically been associated with close contact between humans and infected animals, primarily in central and West Africa.
Historical Context
The mpox virus gained international attention in 2022 when it was confirmed to spread through sexual contact, leading to outbreaks in over 70 countries that had not previously reported cases. This marked a significant shift in the epidemiology of the disease, which had predominantly affected regions in Africa until that point.
Official Statements & Responses
Health Minister Roger Kamba emphasized the government's determination to declare the outbreak over, indicating a significant step towards public health recovery in the region. The WHO had previously lifted its global health emergency declaration in September 2025, reflecting a decrease in the disease's spread and impact.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the official declaration, some health experts have expressed concerns regarding the accuracy of the reported statistics, particularly the discrepancy between suspected and confirmed deaths. Critics argue that the true impact of the outbreak may be underreported, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and research to fully understand the disease's effects.
What's Next
As Congo moves forward from this outbreak, health officials are expected to focus on strengthening surveillance systems and public health responses to prevent future outbreaks of mpox and similar infectious diseases. The international community will likely monitor the situation closely to ensure that the lessons learned from this outbreak are applied effectively in the future.
