The Democratic Republic of Congo has formally announced the end of a severe two-year mpox outbreak that is believed to have caused more than 2,200 suspected deaths across the vast central African country. Health Minister Roger Kamba confirmed to journalists on Thursday that the government had determined the outbreak was over and no longer constituted a national emergency.
Outbreak Details and Global Impact
According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 161,000 suspected cases of mpox in Congo during the outbreak period from 2024 to 2026. Of these, approximately 37,000 cases were confirmed through laboratory testing. The Africa CDC reported 2,286 suspected deaths, with only 127 of those fatalities confirmed by diagnostic tests.
International Response and Emergency Declarations
Congo served as the epicenter of an infectious viral disease outbreak that spread to neighboring countries in 2024, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a global health emergency as it crossed international borders. The WHO maintained this emergency declaration until September 2025, when it was officially lifted following containment efforts.
Historical Context of Mpox Disease
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was first identified by scientists in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease were observed in laboratory monkeys. For decades, most human cases occurred in central and West Africa among people who had close contact with infected animals.
The disease gained international attention in 2022 when the virus was confirmed to spread through sexual contact for the first time, triggering outbreaks in more than 70 countries that had never previously reported mpox cases. This marked a significant shift in the epidemiology of the disease.
Symptoms and Recovery
According to the World Health Organization, the most common symptoms of mpox include a distinctive rash and fever, though the disease can sometimes cause serious illness requiring medical intervention. The majority of infected individuals recover fully with appropriate care and treatment.
The conclusion of this outbreak represents a significant public health achievement for Congo, which has faced numerous health challenges in recent years. Health authorities will continue monitoring for potential resurgence while implementing preventive measures to avoid future outbreaks of the viral disease.
