The monkeypox virus causes monkeypox, an uncommon condition with smallpox-like symptoms. Although it has been observed everywhere in the world, specific parts of Africa are where it is most prevalent. It results in flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, and a rash that could last for weeks. Although there is no known treatment for monkeypox, it usually fades away on its own.
Monkeypox cases were documented in both eight endemic and five non-endemic countries. According to the Africa CDC, the eight endemic countries are Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The five non-endemic nations are Sudan, South Africa, Mozambique, Morocco, and Egypt.
Due to the WHO’s declaration of the illness as a worldwide public health emergency, CDC Africa has urged African nations to improve their capacity for monkeypox genomic sequencing and laboratory diagnostics.
Data from the Africa CDC shows that over the same time period, 173 deaths and a case fatality ratio of 2.5% were also reported. According to the continental health office, out of the 6,883 instances, 5,992 are suspected cases and 891 are confirmed cases, according to Xinhua.
Since the World Health Organization designated monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern in July of this year, the Africa CDC has been pressing African countries to increase their capacity for monkeypox genome sequencing and laboratory diagnostics.
It was assumed that monkeypox may spread from people to rats or other wild animals after it was discovered in lab monkeys in 1958. It is an uncommon viral illness that is typically spread through contaminated surfaces, respiratory droplets, and bodily fluids. Normal symptoms of the infection include fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes.
The continental health organisation urged African nations to create and disseminate risk communication strategies that are both generic and specific to their regions’ most vulnerable populations.
