Morocco reports 1st mpox case in North Africa

Morocco has recorded a case of mpox virus in the resort city of Marrakech, the first in North Africa since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern in August, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC) reported on September 13.

Image/JackAlvarezDiaz

A 32-year-old male from Marrakech, currently stable and isolated, tested positive and is receiving treatment. The Moroccan authorities have activated emergency operations, deployed a rapid response team, and begun epidemiological investigations and contact tracing. Further details will follow as they emerge.

This marks the spread of Mpox across all five African regions since the Africa CDC declaration of PHECS on 13 August 2024.

Upon receiving the news, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General Africa CDC, immediately traveled to Morocco to meet with high-level officials to strategize on stopping the virus’s spread.

“We urge all Member States to stay vigilant, enhance surveillance, and promptly report any suspected or confirmed cases to Africa CDC. Our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of African populations remains steadfast.”

Since the beginning of this year, as of end of week 35th, a total of 26,544 cases of which 5,732 were confirmed and 724 deaths have been reported [case fatality rate (CFR): 2.73%] of Mpox have been reported from 15 African Union (AU) Member States (MS) across ALL FIVE REGIONS of Africa: Central Africa: 23,761 cases of which 5,588 were confirmed; 720 deaths; Eastern Africa: 1,644 cases; of which were 19 were confirmed and 0 deaths; Southern Africa: 24 cases; 24 confirmed cases and 3 deaths; Western Africa: 1,114 cases of which 100 were confirmed and 1 death; Northern Africa: 1 confirmed case and 0 death. Now the case in Morocco is the first case in the region; making the reporting countries this year to be 15. Children <15 years accounted for 41% and males accounted for 63% of all confirmed cases reported on the continent.