CONGO: Congo Reports Over 1,000 New Mpox Cases in a Week as Global Health Emergency Declared

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Congo has reported over 1,000 new cases of mpox in just one week, as the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the outbreak in Africa a global emergency. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has advised travelers to consider vaccination if heading to affected regions.

Mpox, related to smallpox but with milder symptoms, spreads through close contact and can cause lesions on various parts of the body. The outbreak, predominantly centered in Congo with 17,794 of 18,910 cases in 2024, has prompted calls for increased vaccine supply. Despite pledges from the EU, Bavarian Nordic, and the US, Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized the urgent need for more vaccines and support.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the unequal global response, echoing sentiments from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding access to vaccines. The WHO hopes the emergency declaration will spur international aid to prevent further spread.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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