The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and 9 other African countries are facing mpox outbreaks that have sickened more than 15,000 people this year. So far in 2024, these countries have seen more cases than in all of 2023. The vast majority of infections have occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has suffered a record number of cases and deaths. The virus has killed more children than any other age group. Outside of DRC, mpox has reached countries that have never before experienced outbreaks, including the Ivory Coast and Kenya.
The US experienced its first mpox outbreaks in 2022/2023, when over 32,000 people were infected, 58 of whom died. The virus’ introduction to the US was preceded by an uptick in cases in parts of the African continent. While the virus did not disappear from the US, it has averaged only several cases per week in recent months.
The severe outbreaks in Congo combined with the virus’ spread to new areas has global health experts concerned about where mpox may go next. The African Centers for Disease Control has said it will likely declare a continental public health emergency in the next week. Meanwhile, the US CDC is urging physicians to be on the look out for signs of the virus among patients who recently traveled to affected regions. Health officials emphasized that the immediate threat to the US remains low.
Full Story: The Washington Post
