The Republic of the Congo has declared an mpox epidemic following the confirmation of 19 cases across five departments, including the capital Brazzaville.
This comes amidst global efforts to address the ongoing mpox outbreak.
Health Minister Gilbert Mokoki announced the epidemic on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of public precautions.
These include avoiding close contact with suspected cases, animals, and handling game meat with bare hands.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently renamed the virus mpox to address concerns of stigma and racism associated with the previously used term “monkeypox.”
Mpox was first identified in humans in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.
The disease typically presents with symptoms like fever, body aches, and skin lesions.
In 2022, the WHO declared a global health emergency due to a major mpox outbreak affecting Europe and North America.
The recent declaration in the Republic of the Congo highlights the continued need for global vigilance and control efforts to address the spread of mpox.
