Congo Battling Largest Monkeypox Outbreak with New Strain Detected
Congo is currently facing its largest outbreak of monkeypox, with over 4,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths reported since January. Scientists have recently discovered a new form of the disease in a mining town in eastern Congo, which may spread more easily among people.
The new strain of monkeypox reported in Kamituga has milder lesions, making it harder to diagnose but with a lower death rate. This new form of the disease has caused over 240 cases and three deaths in the region, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Recent genetic mutations in monkeypox suggest ongoing transmission in humans, even in areas with little contact with wild animals traditionally thought to carry the disease. Experts are concerned about the mutations suggesting the virus is adapting to spread more efficiently in humans.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the new version of the disease may require a new testing strategy to detect mutations. Despite the ongoing spread of monkeypox, there has not been any donor funding invested in combating the outbreak.
Congo’s health minister has authorized the use of vaccines in high-risk provinces and is seeking support from donor countries to purchase shots for vaccination. Most cases of monkeypox in Congo are believed to be transmitted through sex, with about a third found in sex workers.
The situation in Congo is alarming, and urgent action is needed to contain the outbreak before it escalates further. With the discovery of a new strain of monkeypox that may spread more easily among people, it is crucial to prioritize vaccination efforts to protect the population and prevent further transmission of the disease.
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