The World Health Organization said nearly 30,000 suspected mpox cases have been reported in Africa this year. It also issued a report on Monday that testing supplies have run out for most of the reported cases, which are dominating the majority from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mpox, or monkeypox, is transmitted by direct contact. This disease may not be fatal usually, but its occurrence has been fatal in some very rare cases. Fever and pus-filled lesions on the skin characterize mpox symptoms, which are just like the flu.
The neighbouring country of Congo is also witnessing an uptick in outbreaks. Comparison data from previous years were not available from the WHO. Nevertheless, Africa’s public health agency reported 14,957 cases and 739 deaths from mpox in seven affected countries in 2023, which saw an increase of new cases by 78.5 percent compared to 2022.
Mpox Cases cause deaths in Africa
From January to mid-September this year, suspected cases and deaths stood at 29,342 and 812, respectively, across Africa. Mpox continues spreading globally: globally, 2 082 confirmed cases occurred in August is the highest number since November 2022.
In response, the World Bank’s pandemic fund announced it would provide $128.89 million to ten African countries that would help battle the outbreak. The funding is to support efforts in curbing the spread of the disease and proper care to affected persons.
Also, see:
WHO Declares Monkeypox 1Global Health Emergency Amid Rising Cases in Africa
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