Health Officials Probe Deadly Mysterious Disease Outbreak in Southwestern Congo
Health officials in southwestern Congo are investigating a mysterious flu-like disease that has caused numerous fatalities in the Panzi health zone. With symptoms including fever, headache, and cough, the death toll has reportedly reached between 67 and 143. As the World Health Organization monitors the situation, local authorities urge residents to avoid contact with deceased individuals to prevent further contamination. The outbreak comes amid an ongoing mpox epidemic, straining the region’s health system.
New mpox Virus Clade Detected in Africa Amid Rising Cases and Urgent Health Concerns
Recent genetic sequencing reveals the novel clade 1b mpox virus spreading in Zambia and Zimbabwe, with Africa witnessing an alarming average of 2,800 new cases weekly. The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains the outbreak’s epicenter, while Uganda sees a rise in cases among sex workers. Urgent vaccination efforts are underway, yet children, who represent 36% of cases, face a critical gap in vaccination options. The Africa CDC emphasizes the need for robust public health measures to combat this escalating health crisis.
Multi-Country Outbreak of Mpox Causes Concern
Learn about the latest developments in the multi-country mpox outbreak, including updates on the epidemiology, vaccine progress, and WHO’s response efforts. Stay informed and download the full report on the WHO website.
U.S. Braces for Return of Monkeypox Amid Pride Events
With Pride events approaching, U.S. officials are preparing for a potential resurgence of mpox, a disease that impacted gay and bisexual men in 2022. The CDC warns of a deadlier version in the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for at-risk individuals. Global disease surveillance is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like mpox.
Global Efforts to Combat Monkeypox Outbreak Highlighted in Latest Situation Report
Learn about the latest updates on the multi-country outbreak of mpox, including revisions to WHO SAGE recommendations on mpox vaccines and forthcoming changes to diagnostic testing guidance. Discover the key takeaways from a recent high-level emergency regional meeting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizing the importance of enhanced surveillance and international cooperation in addressing the mpox public health challenge.
New Mutant Strain of Monkeypox Raises Pandemic Concerns in Congo
A new mutant strain of monkeypox with ‘pandemic potential’ has been identified in Kamituga, Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns among health officials. Researchers emphasize the need for urgent measures to contain the virus and prevent a global outbreak, highlighting the risks posed by the mobile population in the densely populated gold mining town. Calls for vaccines, drugs, and enhanced surveillance measures are made to prevent another global mpox outbreak.