Morocco Reports First Mpox Case in North Africa Since WHO Declared International Emergency
Morocco has recorded a case of mpox, a viral disease previously known as monkeypox, in the tourist city of Marrakesh, marking the first reported case in North Africa since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international emergency last month. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed the case on September 12, citing Morocco’s Ministry of Health.
The 32-year-old patient from Marrakesh is receiving treatment at a specialized medical center in the city and is reportedly in a stable health condition that does not give cause for concern. According to Africa CDC, the patient tested positive for mpox and is receiving care. The Moroccan authorities have activated emergency operations, deployed a rapid response team, and begun epidemiological investigations and contact tracing.
Mpox is a viral disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals, but it can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact. The disease can be deadly, causing fever, muscular aches, and large boil-like skin lesions. So far, nobody who has been in contact with the patient is showing symptoms.
The WHO declared an international emergency on August 14, concerned by the surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo that spread to nearby countries. Africa CDC figures show that most cases are in Central Africa, with 26,544 reported cases in 15 affected countries since the beginning of the year, including 5,732 confirmed cases and 724 deaths.
The reported case in Morocco marks a significant development in the spread of mpox in Africa, with 15 African Union member states now reporting cases across every region of the continent. The African CDC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
