Recent reports from Congo have highlighted a concerning rise in mpox cases, with over 1,000 new cases recorded in the past week alone. Mpox, a virus related to smallpox, presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches, primarily spreading through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse. In severe cases, individuals may develop lesions on various parts of the body.
While mpox outbreaks have been reported in 12 African countries, Congo has been the hardest hit, with 94% of the total 18,910 cases reported in 2024 occurring in the country. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that out of the 541 deaths reported, 535 were in Congo. However, these figures are likely underestimated due to limited testing and surveillance capabilities in many affected African nations.
