Monkeypox Declared Public Health Emergency Across Africa Amid Rising Cases
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially declared monkeypox a public health emergency across the continent, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated responses to combat the virus. This declaration comes as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reports an alarming 13,791 cases of monkeypox this year alone, including 450 fatalities.
Monkeypox, a viral disease characterized by fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, and skin lesions, poses a significant health threat. The condition can escalate to severe complications and even death if left untreated. While transmission primarily occurs from animals to humans, human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially among individuals in close contact, such as during sexual relations.
The virus is not limited to the DRC, as it has also been detected in neighboring countries including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda. The emergency declaration serves multiple purposes: it aims to enhance coordination among affected states and facilitate the distribution of medicines to impacted areas.
Currently, three vaccines against monkeypox exist, yet their accessibility remains heavily restricted across Africa. The vaccines are primarily administered to individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed cases, leaving much of the population vulnerable to the outbreak.
As the situation unfolds, public health officials are urging for heightened awareness and preparedness. Efforts to improve vaccination accessibility and education about the disease are crucial steps in controlling this emerging health crisis.
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