The Republic of Congo has recently confirmed its first cases of mpox in several regions, according to the health ministry. Mpox, a virus that typically originates in wild animals and can be transmitted to humans, was previously known as monkeypox due to its initial discovery in research monkeys.
Last year, the World Health Organization confirmed the first instance of sexual transmission of mpox in a neighboring country, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease across Africa. The recent report from the Republic of Congo's health ministry highlights the growing impact of mpox in the region.
While mpox has been endemic in parts of central and west Africa for years, the recent cases involving sexual transmission have complicated containment efforts. The disease has already caused over 90,000 cases globally, with Congo reporting more than 12,500 cases and 580 deaths, marking its largest outbreak to date.
Experts caution that the reported figures in Africa may be lower than the actual numbers due to limited testing facilities and societal stigma, particularly against LGBTQ+ communities. The WHO has expressed concerns that mpox could be spreading to other parts of the continent through sexual transmission.
Despite mass vaccination campaigns in Europe and North America during the 2022 international outbreak, there are currently no similar plans for widespread vaccination in Africa. The situation underscores the need for increased awareness, testing, and public health interventions to combat the spread of mpox in the region.
