Mali’s health authorities have confirmed five cases of Mpox (monkeypox) since November 2025, including one fatality.
In response, the Directorate General of Health and Public Hygiene (DGS-HP) has strengthened epidemiological surveillance and contact tracing across the country to limit the virus’s spread.
The DGS-HP confirmed that the country currently has five confirmed cases. An initial sixth case was later linked to a neighboring country, as the patient was not a resident of Mali.
The first confirmed case was detected on Friday, November 21, 2025, in the Koulikoro region, near the border with Guinea. This patient’s subsequent death during the 47th epidemiological week marks the first confirmed fatal case of Mpox reported in Mali.
Initial surveillance detected a single case, but subsequent investigations by health services led to the identification of the remaining infections, bringing the total national count to five confirmed cases following laboratory validation and reclassification of imported cases.
The DGS-HP reiterated that Mpox is a notifiable viral disease in Mali. Individuals exposed to a confirmed case are required to self-monitor for symptoms for 21 days and immediately report any suggestive signs to health facilities. Memos sent to regional directorates detail the definition of suspected cases, contact monitoring procedures, and recommended isolation measures.
Mali is one of the countries recently reporting cases across the continent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s latest situation report on the multi-country Mpox outbreak. The Africa CDC notes a significant increase in the virus’s circulation across the region, reporting more than 190,000 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths in Africa since the beginning of 2024.
Malian authorities stated that they are continuing surveillance across the entire territory, actively monitoring contacts, and disseminating prevention messages in coordination with regional and international health organizations.
MD/ac/fss/abj/APA