2023-12-17 20:06:11
Title: Mpox Virus Outbreak in Congo Raises Global Concerns
Date: December 17, 2023, 7:06 p.m
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about a large outbreak of the Mpox virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the WHO, there have been more than 13,000 suspected cases and over 600 deaths related to the virus in Congo from January to mid-November.
The spread of the Mpox virus in Congo is alarming as the WHO fears that it poses a risk not only to the people in the DRC but also to neighboring countries and potentially to the rest of the world. WHO expert Rosamund Lewis stated that the increasing spread of the virus in Congo is linked to sex work, and the organization is particularly concerned about the regional spread of the disease due to the many border crossings between Congo and neighboring countries.
One of the major concerns is that sexual transmission of the Mpox virus strain prevalent in Congo has been detected for the first time, adding to the complexity and urgency of managing the outbreak. The WHO is currently working with authorities in Congo to expand testing capacity and bring vaccines into the country in an effort to contain the virus.
The Mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, is transmitted through close physical contact and is characterized by symptoms such as blisters and pustules on the skin. Another strain of the virus previously spread in many countries from May 2022, primarily through sexual contact, leading to thousands of cases, including some in Germany. An international health emergency was declared by the WHO in response to the outbreak, which was later lifted in May.
The ongoing outbreak in Congo underscores the urgency of international efforts to contain the spread of the Mpox virus and prevent it from reaching other countries. The WHO’s efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission will be crucial in addressing this public health crisis.]
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