Monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Yet monkeypox virus was mainly active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where, according to WHO data, it has infected more than 14,000 people and caused 511 deaths since the beginning of the year. The disease has long been present in the DRC, but in recent years there has been a gradual increase in cases. The current epidemic is caused by a virus called clade 1b. In the past month, 50 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
WHO convenes special committee
“In light of the spread of monkeypox outside the DRC and the possibility of further international spread in Africa and beyond, I have decided to convene the Emergency Committee in accordance with International Health Regulations, to advise me on whether the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the WHO. He added that the committee “will convene as soon as possible” and will consist of independent experts from various fields.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by a virus. The virus can also be transmitted from person to person. Monkeypox is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, and a pimple-like rash, making it difficult to distinguish from chickenpox. This disease is most common in Africa. (PAP)
