On Thursday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced the conclusion of a two-year mpox outbreak that has taken a heavy toll on the nation. Health Minister Roger Kamba confirmed to journalists that the government has deemed the outbreak to be over and no longer a national emergency. The central African country, which has faced significant challenges due to its vast size and complex geography, was at the epicenter of an infectious viral disease that spread beyond its borders in 2024.
The mpox outbreak, also known as monkeypox, became a global health concern as it crossed international boundaries, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a global health emergency in September 2024. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported that during the outbreak from 2024 to 2026, there were over 161,000 suspected cases in Congo, with approximately 37,000 confirmed through laboratory testing. The Africa CDC also noted that 2,286 suspected deaths were reported, although only 127 were confirmed through testing.
Mpox, first identified by scientists in 1958, had historically been associated with outbreaks in monkeys and other animals. Until recent years, most human cases were in central and West Africa, among individuals with close contact with infected animals. However, in 2022, the virus was confirmed to be transmitted via sexual contact, leading to outbreaks in over 70 countries that had not previously reported mpox cases.
The most common symptoms of mpox, as per the WHO, include a rash and fever, though the disease can sometimes lead to serious illness. Fortunately, most people infected with mpox recover fully.
Source: panafricannews
