Over 50,000 individuals have been vaccinated against mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, as reported by the WHO. The outbreak has resulted in more than 1,100 deaths in Africa, and health authorities warn of a potentially more severe pandemic than COVID-19. Vaccination campaigns are underway to prevent further spread and fatalities in the region.
During a recent briefing, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced that over 50,000 people have received vaccinations against mpox (previously referred to as monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This initiative comes amidst a broader public health challenge, as the African Union’s health authorities issued a warning regarding the potential for a pandemic that could surpass the severity of COVID-19. In Africa, more than 1,100 individuals have succumbed to mpox, with approximately 48,000 cases documented since January, primarily concentrated in the DRC, which has been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak. The DRC initiated a vaccination campaign last month to combat the ongoing crisis.
Mpox is a viral infection that has garnered increasing attention due to its similarities to smallpox and its transmission capabilities. The disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transferred from infected animals to humans, and can subsequently be transmitted between humans through close contact. Symptoms typically include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that evolves into blisters. In recent months, the number of mpox cases in Africa has risen sharply, prompting health authorities to implement preventive measures such as mass vaccination campaigns. The WHO and other organizations are actively working to allocate vaccines to affected regions to mitigate the spread of the disease and prevent further fatalities.
In summary, the vaccination effort against mpox in the DRC and Rwanda has reached a notable milestone with over 50,000 individuals vaccinated. The ongoing outbreak poses significant health risks, with thousands of cases reported and a concerning mortality rate. Health officials are calling for increased resources and attention to ensure that the situation does not escalate into a crisis of greater magnitude than the COVID-19 pandemic.
Original Source: www.france24.com
