Kenya and the Central African Republic have reported new outbreaks of mpox, with health officials in Africa scrambling to control the spread amid a vaccine shortage. Nairobi’s announcement followed a case detected in a traveler from Uganda to Rwanda.
The Central African Republic declared its outbreak on Monday, noting its extension to the capital, Bangui. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, originates from wild animals and occasionally spreads to humans, who can then transmit it to others.
Central African Republic’s health minister, Pierre Somsé, expressed concern about the disease’s impact on region 7 of the country. Mpox gained global attention during the 2022 outbreak, which affected over 100 countries and has been endemic in parts of Africa for years.
The World Health Organization confirmed sexual transmission of mpox in Congo in November, raising concerns about containment. Despite efforts in the West, vaccines and treatments remain scarce in Africa, where recent outbreaks are worsening.
Congo is the hardest hit with over 12,000 cases and at least 470 deaths this year. South Africa has also reported a recent outbreak. The Central African Republic is seeking public support and regional cooperation to slow the disease’s spread.
