Mpox outbreak

The global mpox outbreak has been a WHO graded level 3 acute emergency since August 2024. All clades of mpox virus (MPXV) continue to circulate. Unless mpox outbreaks are rapidly contained and human-to-human transmission is interrupted, there is a risk of sustained community transmission.

In March 2026, 48 countries reported 1235 confirmed cases, including five deaths, with reported monthly confirmed case counts remaining relatively stable since December 2025.

The countries with the highest number of confirmed cases in the last month are in the WHO African Region, which reported 70.4% (870 of 1235) of confirmed cases in March 2026. The WHO African Region has been reporting an overall downward trend in confirmed mpox cases following the peak in May 2025, with monthly confirmed case counts remaining somewhat stable since December 2025. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention lifted the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security for mpox on 22 January 2026.

Read the latest WHO multi-country outbreak of mpox, external situation report (#65, 30 April 2026).

Vulnerable groups, particularly children, pregnant women and people living with HIV, continue to face higher risks for severe disease and death.

SSHAP’s mpox collection features resources focused on social, political and contextual considerations to inform the global response.