Kenya’s Mpox outbreak continues to grow, citing 420 confirmed cases since July 2024. Mpox is an infectious viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms and a rash. Most cases have broken out in larger population areas, such as in Mombasa and Nairobi. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated their vaccination recommendations to include Kenya on September 15. The outbreak does not show signs of slowing down.
On September 30- October 2, over 2,000 drivers associated with the Unite union at Stagecoach, Metroline Manchester, and First Bus Rochdale will walk out after failed pay negotiations. This follows a September 19-22 strike which suspended about two-thirds of Bee Network routes, including school services and routes across South East Manchester. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has stated the strike will cause widespread disruptions.
Senior doctors associated with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) are organizing a nationwide strike on September 23-24 in response to understaffing and insufficient funding. The strike will begin at 12:01 AM on September 23 and end at 11:59 PM on September 24. The emergency room, urgent care centers, and pharmacies will remain open. Service disruptions at hospitals are anticipated.
A cyberattack at a provider of check-in and boarding systems disrupted operations on Saturday September 20 at several major European airports, causing flight delays and cancellations. Collins Aerospace, the company who makes the affected software, stated that the impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations. Affected airports include Heathrow, the continent’s busiest. Berlin airport and Dublin airport have also been affected by the attack. Anticipate delays and cancellations.
President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador issued a 60-day state of emergency amid violent protests in Quito on September 16. After the government’s decision to redirect $1.1 billion from diesel fuel subsidies to social programs, protesters formed roadblocks and clashed with police officers. This declaration suspends the right to freedom of assembly and authorizes further deployment of security forces across the provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Azuay, Bolívar, Cotopaxi, and Santo Domingo.
Railway workers will stage a nationwide strike on September 30 over unpaid wages since October 2024. Rail services linking Accra, Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tarkwa are expected to be disrupted. In Accra, a march will begin at the Ministry of Transport, continue to Parliament, and conclude at the Trades Union Congress of Ghana (TUC).
The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Opuwo city have confirmed 10 measles cases, primarily among unvaccinated individuals. The virus spreads easily through the air and can remain infectious in enclosed spaces for up to two hours. Reported symptoms include high fever, persistent cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and rash.
Airport staff will walk out on September 24 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and again on October 1 from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The union strikes are part of an escalating dispute over pay, early retirement provisions, and contract conflicts. Previous short strikes on September 17 forced the cancellation of over 100 flights, disrupting more than 27,000 passengers. Upcoming strikes will likely cause significant delays and disruptions.
The National Airport Workers’ Union will strike at 15 airports, including Incheon, Gimpo, Busan, Jeju, and Daegu. The strike is expected to disrupt runway maintenance, firefighting operations, and electrical equipment management. Workers are demanding additional staffing, and better working conditions. Delays in departures and arrivals are expected to continue through the Chuseok holiday on October 6.
The Indonesian government declared a state of emergency until September 18 due to severe flash floods in Bali. There are reports of 18 casualties, 5 missing persons, 3 destroyed bridges, and 18 damaged neighborhoods. The floods have displaced 800 people, now living in temporary shelters. Authorities have cut water and electricity in the area, forcing hospitals and hotels to use backup generators.