Health Two more countries in Africa report Mpox
Mpox cases have been reported in Zambia and Ghana for the first time this year. In total, Mpox cases have now been recorded in 16 countries - all in Africa. The number of suspected cases in Africa has risen by 3.6 percent to 36,787.
14.10.2024, 12:03
SDA
The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to be the hardest hit, with 85% of suspected cases registered there, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In total, the Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) has been confirmed in over 6,000 cases in the country. Experts assume that the number of unreported cases is high.
On the one hand, only some of the people with skin rashes are tested, and on the other, many of those affected probably do not even go to clinics. This is because many people are ashamed of the fact that they were initially infected through sex. The disease spreads through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Small children are now also often affected.
The disease causes a rash all over the body and is accompanied by fever and aching limbs. It can be life-threatening for young children and people who are already weakened by other diseases. Vaccinations against Mpox started in Congo at the beginning of October.
Low risk for Europe
Overall, the number of confirmed infections throughout Africa has risen sharply in recent weeks. This is mainly due to the fact that more tests are being carried out every week. The WHO has declared Mpox a "public health emergency of international concern". However, European authorities consider the risk of the virus spreading to Europe to be low.
