6,823 Mpox Cases and 16 Fatalities Last Month

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the 54th situation report for the multi-country outbreak of mpox, which began in May 2022.

The WHO Director-General recently confirmed that the ongoing upsurge of mpox cases continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern.

On June 27, 2025, the WHO confirmed that during May 2025, a total of 6,823 confirmed mpox cases and 16 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio: 0.2%) were reported. The majority of mpox instances continue to be reported from the WHO African Region, with 18 countries currently experiencing active ongoing transmission.

Since the last WHO report, Ethiopia and Italy have reported their first cases of mpox, caused by the clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV).

In addition, North Macedonia, the Republic of the Congo, and Togo have reported their first cases of mpox clade IIb MPXV. Albania has reported its first mpox case.

According to a disease prevention update, the WHO reported that seven African countries have initiated mpox vaccination. More than 731,000 doses of the MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) vaccine have been administered to date.

In the United States, there have been four reported cases of clade I mpox in people who had recently traveled to affected areas in Central and Eastern Africa. 

The U.S. CDC advises that when visiting countries in Africa, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you should get your first mpox vaccine at least 6 weeks before traveling, if possible. After completing your first and second vaccine doses, which are given four weeks apart, it takes about two more weeks to achieve the best protection against mpox.

Whether or not you've been vaccinated, continue to reduce your risk of getting mpox, says the CDC.