BRAZZAVILLE: Congo-Brazzaville has confirmed 21 cases of mpox amidst a rising number of infections across central and eastern Africa, the country’s health minister told state television on Sunday.
Health Minister Gilbert Mokoki said the country has registered a total of 158 suspected cases of mpox since the start of the year. Of these, 21 have been confirmed through diagnostic testing. The latest cases were reported on Thursday.
Mpox, which is caused by the mpox virus, has been surging in eastern and central Africa. The outbreak has also extended to Asia and Europe, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global public health emergency.
In Congo-Brazzaville, mpox cases have been reported in five out of the country’s 15 regions. The northern forested areas, particularly Sangha and Likouala, have been hit hardest by the outbreak. These regions are characterized by dense forests that can contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases.
The situation is compounded by the emergence of a new and more virulent strain of mpox known as Clade 1b. This variant is reported to be more deadly and transmissible and has been driving the recent surge in cases. In neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), this variant has caused over 570 deaths so far this year.
Despite the rising case numbers, Minister Mokoki reassured the public that the situation in Congo-Brazzaville is not yet considered alarming. However, he urged residents to adhere to preventive measures, such as regular handwashing, to curb the spread of the virus.
