Addis Ababa, August 26, 2024 (FBC) – The Republic of Congo has confirmed 21 cases of mpox, as announced by the country’s health minister on state television Sunday. Gilbert Mokoki revealed that since the beginning of the year, there have been “158 suspected cases,” out of which “21 have been verified.” The two most recent cases were reported on Thursday.
As of August 26, 2024, cases of the infectious disease, formerly known as monkeypox, have been rising sharply in eastern and central Africa, with reports also emerging from Asia and Europe. The World Health Organization has declared an international emergency in response to the outbreak.
In Congo-Brazzaville, the virus has affected five of the country’s 15 regions, with the northern forested areas of Sangha and Likouala being particularly hard hit. A new variant of mpox has emerged in neighboring DR Congo, leading to over 570 fatalities this year.
Mokoki stated that while the situation in Congo-Brazzaville is not yet alarming, he urged the public to adopt preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing. Although mpox has been recognized for decades, a newer and more lethal strain—referred to as Clade 1b—has contributed to the current surge in cases.