# The Africa Centre for Diseases Control has declared mpox a health emergency after a rapid increase in infections on the continent. Since the beginning of the year, more than 13-thousand-700 cases and 450 deaths have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone. The virus has spread to other African countries including South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda. This declaration will help governments coordinate their response and get financial aid. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation will today deliberate on whether a Public Health Emergency of International Concern should be declared.
Mpox declared a health emergency in Africa