Mpox: Congo reports more than 1,000 new cases in a week. African authorities ask for vaccines

Congo reports more than 1,000 new mpox cases in a week. African authorities ask for vaccines Congo has recorded 1,030 of the 1,405 new mpox cases in Africa over the last week. The statistics provided Tuesday by the Africa Centers for Disease Control propelled health authorities to ask for desperately needed vaccines to help fight the disease's “growing” threat on the continent. AP News

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While mpox has been reported in 12 of Africa’s 54 countries during these outbreaks, the vast central African nation of Congo has recorded by far the most cases this year. Out of a total of 18,910 cases in 2024, 94% — or 17,794 — were in Congo, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, with 535 of the 541 deaths reported.

The figures are likely an underestimate, as only about one in five suspected cases in Congo are being tested for mpox. Africa CDC director-general Dr. Jean Kaseya said many affected African countries had limited testing and surveillance capabilities.

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