A recent report from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed a concerning 160% increase in monkeypox cases across the continent over the past year. This spike has raised alarms due to the lack of effective treatments or vaccines available in Africa.
Monkeypox, also known as mpox, has been detected in 10 African countries this year, with Burundi and Rwanda reporting cases for the first time. The Central African Republic confirmed a new outbreak that has reached its capital, Bangui, with region 7 being particularly affected.
Kenya's Health Ministry identified a monkeypox case in a passenger traveling from Uganda to Rwanda, emphasizing the ease of spread across borders. The majority of cases and deaths, over 96%, have been reported in Congo, where a new, potentially more transmissible form of the virus has emerged.
Unlike previous outbreaks, the current strain of monkeypox in Congo presents with milder symptoms and lesions primarily on the genitals, making it harder to diagnose. Children under 15 account for nearly 70% of cases in Congo and 85% of deaths.
Doctors Without Borders expressed concern over the expanding outbreak, especially in regions with displaced populations. The lack of vaccines and treatments in African countries, including Congo, has hindered containment efforts.
The World Health Organization highlighted the urgent need for donor support to combat the outbreak and prevent international spread. Efforts are underway to study the effectiveness of post-exposure monkeypox vaccinations in African countries.
The escalating monkeypox situation in Africa underscores the critical need for swift intervention and international collaboration to mitigate the impact of this infectious disease.
