The World Health Organization says confirmed mpox cases have climbed sharply in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising fresh concern about the disease’s spread across parts of Africa. In its latest update, the agency said cases in Congo rose 60% this month compared with the previous period.

Health officials say the increase is especially worrying because the clade Ib variant has now been detected in neighboring countries. The finding suggests the outbreak is not staying contained within one border, adding pressure on public health systems already working with limited resources.

WHO has urged close monitoring, faster testing, and stronger coordination between affected countries to slow transmission. The agency’s warning comes as African health authorities continue to track mpox alongside other ongoing disease challenges, including gaps in surveillance, treatment access, and vaccination coverage.

While the full scale of spread remains unclear, the latest figures point to a disease threat that could widen if response efforts lag. Public health experts say early detection and cross-border cooperation will be critical to limiting further cases and protecting vulnerable communities.

Variant spread

WHO reports sharp mpox rise in Congo as new variant spreads