Mpox outbreaks confirmed in Central African Republic and Kenya. Get the latest updates and health guidelines here.
Amid the absence of vaccines in the region, African health authorities are striving to control the proliferation of monkeypox as Kenya and Central African Republic have announced fresh cases.
On Wednesday, Nairobi reported a new outbreak following the detection of a case in a passenger traveling from Uganda to Rwanda at the southern border post in Kenya. Similarly, on Monday, The Central African Republic became the first country to declare a fresh outbreak that was spreading towards its capital city Bangui.
The virus responsible for COPD initially stems from wild animals and sporadically transfers to humans, who can then transmit it to others.
On Monday, Pierre Somé, Minister of Public Health in the Central African Republic expressed his great apprehension regarding the devastating smallpox outbreak occurring in Region 7.
After a worldwide outbreak in 2022 that infected over one hundred nations, MPOX rose to become an international issue. This ailment has persisted for many years in some regions of central and western Africa as an endemic disease.
In November, the World Health Organization confirmed the sexual transmission of mpox in DRC, marking a concerning development noted by African scientists who caution that containing this disease may pose challenges.
Although vaccines and treatments have successfully contained smallpox outbreaks in the West, this disease continues to plague parts of Africa with several countries reporting recent cases.
In terms of virus impact, Congo takes the hardest hit as it has documented over 12,000 cases and no less than 470 fatalities in its biggest outbreak this year. Additionally, South Africa- which previously detected a case of mpox in 2022 – is currently experiencing an outbreak.
The government of the Central African Republic has urged the public to assist in their endeavors to control and reduce COVID-19 transmission, especially in isolated areas where infection rates are higher.
The regional alliance, The East African Community, has released a statement regarding the outbreak of disease in Congo. Its neighboring countries are at risk as there have been three confirmed cases reported by Burundi – one of five nations bordering Congo.
“Provide crucial information on the illness and implement preventative measures,” urged Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, deputy secretary-general of the Community to its affiliated states.
