# Global mpox resurgence and Guinea-Bissau outbreak

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-mpox-resurgence-and-guinea-bissau-outbreak
> Updated: 2026-08-26T16:00:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Guinea-Bissau is experiencing its first mpox outbreak, with significant concern regarding the vulnerability of children. As of mid-August 2026, there were 46 suspected cases, half of which involved children, including 16 children aged between zero and four years. While seven cases had been confirmed among adults in the Autonomous Sector of Bissau and the Biombo Region, health officials noted a lack of epidemiological links, suggesting undetected transmission chains. UNICEF described the country’s health surveillance system as ‘extremely fragile’ and warned that the reopening of schools could increase transmission.

On a broader scale, mpox is seeing a global resurgence. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that between early 2022 and late May 2026, over 187,000 confirmed cases and 510 deaths were recorded across 144 countries. Africa remains the most heavily impacted region, accounting for 76 percent of global cases reported in May 2026. Concerns have risen regarding the spread of the clade 1b variant, which has established local transmission in Africa and Europe. Other regional hotspots include Madagascar, which has seen continuous transmission since December 2025, while the CDC has indicated the virus is on a trajectory to become endemic in the United States.

## Claims

- Between early 2022 and late May 2026, over 187,000 mpox cases and 510 deaths were confirmed across 144 countries. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In May alone, 1,844 cases were recorded in 34 countries, a 24 percent increase from April. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Africa accounted for 76 percent of globally confirmed mpox infections in May. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The clade 1b variant, discovered in 2023, is spreading geographically in both Africa and Europe. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Madagascar is a major hotspot with 2,408 cases and 14 deaths reported since December 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The US CDC stated that mpox is on track to become an endemic disease in the United States. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Guinea-Bissau is experiencing its first mpox epidemic. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Mpox resurgence: Global cases rise with new variants spreading in Africa and Europe

Mpox cases are rising globally, with 1,844 cases reported in May alone. Africa accounts for 76% of infections, while the clade 1b variant spreads in Europe and Africa. Guinea-Bissau faces its first epidemic.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mpox-resurgence-global-cases-rise-as-new-variants-spread

### 2026-08-20: Guinea-Bissau faces first mpox outbreak with high child vulnerability

Guinea-Bissau is facing its first mpox outbreak, with UNICEF warning that children under 15 make up half of the 46 suspected cases amid concerns over a fragile national surveillance system.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guinea-bissau-faces-first-mpox-outbreak-with-high-child-vulnerability

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Cite as: Global mpox resurgence and Guinea-Bissau outbreak. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-mpox-resurgence-and-guinea-bissau-outbreak