Congo reported over 1,000 new mpox cases in the last week, leading African health authorities to urgently request vaccines to combat the escalating threat.
The World Health Organization has labeled the outbreaks in Africa a global emergency.
Mpox, related to smallpox, typically causes milder symptoms like fever and body aches and spreads through close contact.
Severe cases can lead to lesions on various body parts, including the face and genitals.
Congo has been the hardest hit, with 94% of Africa’s 18,910 cases this year occurring there.
The country has also reported 535 of the 541 deaths, though testing limitations suggest these figures may be underreported.
In the past week, Congo recorded 1,030 of Africa’s 1,405 new mpox cases.
The World Health Organization’s recent declaration of a global health emergency aims to spur vaccine donations and aid to prevent further international spread.
Despite previous efforts failing to secure significant donations, the EU and Bavarian Nordic have pledged 215,000 vaccines, and the U.S. donated 50,000 doses.
More support is needed as Congo alone requires 3 million doses to curb the outbreaks.
