Angola declares monkeypox outbreak: 442 cases and two deaths

- 432 cases recorded in 2026; authorities provided 50,000 vaccine doses

The Angolan Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that the country is experiencing an outbreak of monkeypox, with two deaths recorded out of a total of 442 confirmed cases since 2024.

In a statement, the ministry said that Angolan Minister of Public Health, Carlos de Sousa, provided an update on the epidemiological situation of the monkeypox virus in the country, along with the key measures taken to prevent and combat its spread, following the confirmation of the first case on November 16, 2024.

Statistical data showed that Angola had recorded 442 confirmed cases as of September 5, including four cases in 2024, six in 2025, and 432 in 2026.

De Sousa stated that the Cabinda province recorded the highest number of infections, with 314 cases, followed by the Moxico Leste province with 91 cases, while other provinces recorded significantly lower numbers.

He added that the two deaths occurred in the Cabinda and Uíge provinces, resulting in an overall case fatality rate of 0.45 percent.

Since the outbreak began, health authorities have monitored 1,131 individuals who were contacts of infected cases. Currently, there are 116 active cases of individuals receiving treatment in hospitals and under surveillance, along with 186 contacts who are isolated and under follow-up.

In response to the outbreak, De Sousa clarified that the country has provided 50,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine this year, which are being used strategically and prioritized, given the limited global availability of vaccines.

Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Its symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions or mucosal manifestations that may appear as spots, blisters, or ulcers.

The period between exposure to the virus and the appearance of initial signs and symptoms ranges from 5 to 21 days, while patients generally recover fully within two to four weeks.