Published on: May 3, 2024

MPOX OUTBREAK IN CONGO

MPOX OUTBREAK IN CONGO

NEWS – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing its largest Mpox outbreak

MPOX  

  • Viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
  • First human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
  • Types of Mpox Virus: Two known types (clades): Central Africa origin (Clade I) and West Africa origin (Clade II).
  • Symptoms:
    • Skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2–4 weeks.
    • Accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Transmission: Human-to-human transmission via direct contact with body fluids, lesions, prolonged face-to-face contact, including sexual contact, and indirect contact with contaminated items.
  • Treatment:
    • No specific treatments available.
    • Early supportive care is crucial for symptom management and preventing complications.