Congo Republic declares mpox epidemic after cases of infection confirmed
The Republic of the Congo has officially announced a mpox epidemic following the confirmation of 19 cases spanning across five departments including the capital Brazzaville, media reported, citing the country’s Minister of Health, Gilbert Mokoki.
No deaths have yet been recorded, Health Minister Gilbert Mokoki said in a statement.
He called on the public to take precautions including avoiding close contact with suspected cases, avoiding contact with animals and avoiding handling game meat with bare hands.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the virus mpox to replace the older term monkeypox, citing concerns of stigma and racism associated with the name.
In 2023, DR Congo faced an outbreak of mpox with over 13,000 suspected cases and 600 deaths.
Symptoms include fever, aches and skin lesions
