The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has reported the country’s first death directly caused by Mpox, confirming that the total number of cases has risen to six.

According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Health’s daily report, developed alongside the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, five of the confirmed Mpox cases are currently in isolation to prevent further spread.

The report also confirms that one patient has died, marking the first fatality since the virus was detected in Ethiopia. According to the ministry, health officials have conducted 15 laboratory tests since the outbreak began to track and diagnose cases.”

On May 25, the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute announced that a 27-day-old infant in Moyale town, Oromia region, tested positive for Mpox. Additional tests confirmed that the baby’s mother had also been exposed to the virus, raising concerns about household transmission.

Authorities also reported that the child’s father had recently traveled to a neighboring country, prompting efforts to trace his movements and identify individuals who may have been in close contact with him.