COVID-19 activity in parts of Africa has grown exponentially over the past 2 weeks, raising worries that the region could become the next pandemic epicenter in the weeks and months ahead, according to an update from the World Health Organization (WHO).The world's case total climbed to 3,646,206, and at least 255,096 have died from their infections, according to the Johns Hopkins online dashboard.Sharp rises, widespread transmission in AfricaFor the week ending May 3, COVID-19 cases in Africa increased by 41%, with the region's total rising to 29,463 cases and 1,079 deaths, the WHO African regional office said yesterday in its weekly update.