Probable cases in Africa increased by 3.6% to 36,787 cases on October 6, according to the WHO. “The most affected country in 2024 remains the Democratic Republic of Congo (6,169 confirmed cases, 25 deaths), followed by Burundi (987 confirmed cases, no deaths) and Nigeria (94 confirmed cases, no deaths),” said the WHO.
Around 85% of suspected cases are recorded in the DRC, which has more than 6,000 cases. Medical experts believe the number is actually higher. They note that only some of the people suffering from a rash get tested and that many people do not consult a doctor, out of modesty, as the disease is spread in particular through sexual relations.
The virus is transmitted by direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes and causes rashes all over the body. Symptoms include fever and joint pain. The disease can be fatal for young children and people with weakened immune systems.
A vaccination campaign was launched at the beginning of the month in the DRC given that the number of contaminations was sharply increasing. On August 14, the WHO declared an international emergency regarding Mpox.
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