Seven African countries have cumulatively reported nearly 1,400 cases of monkeypox
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KIGALI — The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (31/5/2022) said seven African countries had cumulatively reported nearly 1,400 monkey pox case This year. Such cases have been reported in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone.
The WHO explains that the number of monkeypox cases in 2022 is likely to be less than 2021. According to the WHO, the virus has expanded its geographic reach in recent years. Until 2019, cases of monkeypox were found in Nigeria, especially in the south of the country. But since 2020, the virus has spread to central, eastern and northern Africa.
WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, warned that there should be no difference in response to cases of monkeypox in several countries. Especially for Western countries, which are currently experiencing significant transmission and Africa, which is endemic to smallpox.
“We have to work together and combine global action that includes Africa’s experience, expertise and needs. This is the only way to ensure we strengthen surveillance and better understand disease evolution, as well as improve preparedness and response to curb further spread,” said Moeti. reported Anadolu AgencyWednesday (1/6/2022).
Monkeypox or monkeypox was first detected in humans in 1970 in the African region. Since then, most cases of monkeypox have been reported in rural areas and rainforests.
In 2017, there was a sudden spike, with more than 2,800 suspected cases reported in five countries. This surge continued and peaked in 2020 with more than 6,300 suspected cases. The DR Congo country accounts for 95 percent of the total cases. The number then fell in 2021 to around 3,200 suspected cases.
An outbreak of monkeypox was recently reported on 7 May, when the first cases were confirmed in Europe. The case happened to someone who returned to the UK from Nigeria. Since then, about 260 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported and about 120 suspected cases in 23 countries.
Moeti noted that Africa has managed to overcome outbreaks of monkeypox in the past. Understanding the virus and how it is transmitted is very important so that it can reduce the number of monkeypox cases.
“It is imperative that we have equal access to an effective monkeypox vaccine and globally we ensure that vaccine doses reach every community in need. While some regions may have built up immunity to this disease, there are populations that are particularly vulnerable, such as health workers and case contacts,” Moeti said.
WHO urges health workers to watch for possible symptoms of monkeypox. Starting from a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, backache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
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