Mpox cases are soaring in Africa, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a potential 30,000 cases and over 800 deaths this year alone. This alarming rise comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation grappling with the outbreak’s brunt, faces a critical shortage of testing resources.
Summary:
- WHO has revealed that globally, there were 2,082 confirmed mpox cases in August 2024, marking the highest monthly count since November 2022
- Burundi, a neighbouring nation to the Democratic Republic of Congo, is also battling a surge of cases after Mpox outbreak
The situation is particularly concerning given that these figures only represent suspected cases, indicating the true scale of the outbreak could be significantly higher. These figures represent a substantial increase from 2023, where 14,957 cases and 739 deaths were recorded across seven African nations.
This represents a 78.5% surge in new cases compared to the previous year. The WHO has revealed that globally, there were 2,082 confirmed mpox cases in August 2024, marking the highest monthly count since November 2022.
This recent surge underscores the urgency for a coordinated global response to contain the virus’s spread. Adding to the continent’s struggle, Burundi, a neighbouring nation to the Democratic Republic of Congo, is also battling a burgeoning mpox outbreak.
This highlights the potential for the virus to spread rapidly across borders and overwhelm already strained healthcare systems. Mpox, typically a mild illness, can turn fatal in certain cases. The virus manifests with flu-like symptoms and distinctive pus-filled lesions on the body.
Transmission occurs primarily through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the World Bank’s pandemic fund has pledged $128.89 million to support ten African countries in their fight against mpox.
This funding will be crucial in bolstering healthcare infrastructure, improving access to testing and treatment, and implementing effective public health campaigns. The recent surge in mpox cases, particularly in Africa, is a stark reminder that infectious diseases remain a significant global health threat.
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The international community must prioritize a coordinated response to support affected nations, strengthen healthcare systems, and contain the virus’s spread.
