Conakry: The number of mpox cases in Guinea has surpassed 200 since the outbreak was first detected, health officials have reported. Several neighboring countries are also experiencing recent increases in infections.

According to Nam News Network, Guinea has recorded a total of 206 cases, as confirmed by Sory Keira, a spokesman for the National Agency for Health Security (ANSS). The virus, which has two subtypes known as clade 1 and clade 2, has been endemic in central Africa but gained international attention in May 2022 when clade 2 spread globally, predominantly affecting gay and bisexual men.

Last month, the World Health Organisation’s director, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that the virus remains an international health emergency, particularly concerning the rise in cases in West Africa. The WHO announced in June that the disease would continue to be considered an international emergency, citing the ongoing increase in cases and the potential for undetected transmission beyond the African continent.

From January to late May of this year, Sierra Leone reported a total of 3,350 cases, including 16 fatalities. In early June, Liberia had approximately 71 active cases, as reported by its National Public Health Institute.