Addis Ababa, Oct 31 (EFE).- Africa has registered 48,093 cases (10,372 confirmed) and 1,048 deaths from mpox since the beginning of 2024 in 19 countries on the continent, one more than last week, after the detection of a case in Mauritius, The public health agency of the African Union (AU) reported this Thursday.
According to epidemiologist Ngashi Ngongo, head of the Executive Office of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in a telematic press conference, the situation “remains very worrying” and “is not yet under control.” control”.
So far this year, there have already been more than 500% more confirmed cases than in all of 2023.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the epicenter of the outbreak, and neighboring Burundi account for 94% of the 1,254 new infections confirmed on the continent in the last week, out of a total of 2,766 recorded cases.
Both figures represent an increase compared to those reported the previous week, as well as the number of deaths recorded, which was 34 in the last seven days, including the first death from mpox in Uganda.
However, the trend remains positive in countries such as Gabon, Guinea-Conakry, Rwanda, Cameroon and South Africa, which have not reported any new cases in the last five weeks.
Regarding vaccination against the disease, Ngongo explained that the two African countries that have started their campaigns, Rwanda and the DRC, have a “very high coverage rate.”
Thus, Rwanda has reached 100% of the target number of people it initially set out to vaccinate, while the DRC “has even surpassed it” with 103% in some places.
The Central African Republic (CAR), South Africa and Ivory Coast have also presented vaccination plans, while Nigeria, which had planned to start its campaign on Tuesday, could not do so due to logistical problems.
Ngongo recalled that the shipment to the continent of about 5.6 million doses has been confirmed, including 2.5 million of the vaccine produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Bavarian Nordic and another 3 million of the drug LC16, from the Japanese company KM Biologics.
899,000 doses of Bavarian Nordic have already been distributed in nine AU Member States, while another 700,000 are expected to be distributed in November.
On August 13, the Africa CDC declared mpox as a public health emergency of continental safety and, the following day, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the state of international health alert for the disease.
The WHO alarm refers to the rapid expansion and high mortality in Africa of the new variant (clade Ib), of which a first case was identified outside the continent, in Sweden, in a person who traveled to an area of Africa where The virus circulates intensely.
This variant differs from clade II, which caused a violent outbreak in Africa in 2022, as well as hundreds of cases in Europe, North America and countries in other regions, and already led to the declaration of the international health emergency between 2022 and 2023.
MPOX is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and lack of energy. EFE
Mpox in Africa: The Grim Situation and Vaccination Efforts
Well, folks, let’s dive into the latest episode of “What on Earth is Going On?” This week, Africa has clocked in a staggering 48,093 cases of mpox, with 10,372 confirmed cases and a sadly high toll of 1,048 deaths since the start of 2024. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, guess what? They found a new case in Mauritius! Who knew mpox was the new hot trend in the region?
Public Health Officials Sound the Alarm
In a recent press conference, epidemiologist Ngashi Ngongo, head of the Africa CDC, made it clear: the situation is “very worrying” and absolutely NOT under control. I mean, is it ever under control? In just the last week, our favorite germ—mpox—has surged by a whopping 500% compared to all of 2023. Not quite the comeback we were hoping for, eh?
Where’s the Outbreak Happening?
If you thought things were bad, let’s put that in perspective: the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the epicenter, with neighboring Burundi grabbing some unwanted attention by accounting for a staggering 94% of the new infections last week alone. Who’s keeping score here? 1,254 new infections and just 34 tragic new deaths last week, including a needle-in-the-haystack case in Uganda. Looks like this outbreak is playing no games.
Countries That Are Doing It Right
Now, before we drown in doom and gloom, let’s shine a spotlight on the positive trends. Countries like Gabon, Guinea-Conakry, Rwanda, Cameroon, and South Africa have not reported any new cases for five weeks! Talk about a breath of fresh air. Apparently, they’re quite good at staying out of trouble—something we can only aspire to. Take notes, Congo!
Vaccination Campaigns: A Ray of Hope?
2024 might be a rough ride, but there is a silver lining! Ngongo also reported that Rwanda and the DRC have their vaccination campaigns up and running—going above and beyond, with Rwanda hitting a perfect 100% of its target population, while the DRC managed a phenomenal 103%. Could this be a case of the overachievers in the contagious disease department?
And let’s chat logistics, shall we? The Central African Republic, South Africa, and Ivory Coast have also put their hands up for vaccination. Nigeria, bless their hearts, had plans to kick off on Tuesday but ran into some logistical hiccups. Classic!
Shots Coming Your Way
Now, let’s break down the numbers: around 5.6 million doses of vaccines are on their way to the continent, courtesy of both Bavarian Nordic and KM Biologics. I mean, if they could only solve world hunger as easily as they’re getting these vaccines out, we might have a better time on this planet.
What Is Mpox Anyway?
Let’s be real for a second. Mpox, or *monkeypox*, is no picnic. It’s nasty business, causing rashes that would make even the toughest among us cringe, emojis included. We’re talking swollen lymph nodes, fever, muscle aches, and that all-around “I feel terrible” vibe. Not exactly what you’d want to take up as a new hobby, huh?
The Bottom Line
As we wrap up this round of bad news bingo, the Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency. After all, why have a boring year when you can have an *epidemic*? As we watch this unfold, let’s hope the combined efforts of vaccination and public awareness can curtail this nasty viral party. Until next time, stay safe and keep your distance… from everything that crawls!
There’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon with vaccination efforts underway. Joining us today is Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, the head of the Executive Office of the Africa CDC, to give us insights on the current situation and what measures are being taken to combat mpox in Africa.
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ngongo. It’s a troubling time with the rise in mpox cases. Can you elaborate on what the current statistics reveal about the outbreak in Africa?
**Dr. Ngongo:** Thank you for having me. The statistics are indeed alarming. As of now, Africa has recorded a total of 48,093 cases, with over 10,000 confirmed. We’re seeing a rapid increase, with new infections concentrated heavily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi, which account for 94% of last week’s new cases. We’re currently facing a situation that is not yet under control.
**Editor:** With the concerning surge in cases, how does the vaccination campaign look across the continent?
**Dr. Ngongo:** The vaccination efforts are our primary defense against mpox. Both Rwanda and the DRC have made significant progress, achieving over 100% of their target vaccination numbers. Other nations, including the Central African Republic and South Africa, are ramping up their vaccination plans as well. We’ve confirmed the shipment of 5.6 million doses of vaccines, which will be instrumental in curbing the spread.
**Editor:** It’s encouraging to hear about the vaccination rates in countries like Rwanda and the DRC. But why do you think there are logistical issues with vaccination campaigns in certain countries like Nigeria?
**Dr. Ngongo:** Vaccination logistics can be complex due to various factors such as supply chain challenges, infrastructure, and health system capacity. Nigeria’s delay highlights the challenges many regions face in rolling out public health initiatives, but we are working closely with local authorities to find solutions.
**Editor:** Given the seriousness of this outbreak and the high mortality rate, what message do you want to convey to the public?
**Dr. Ngongo:** It’s critical for everyone to understand the importance of vaccination and adherence to public health guidelines. We cannot let our guard down. While there are encouraging signs in certain countries, the overall situation remains precarious. Collective action, awareness, and cooperation are essential to combat mpox.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ngongo, for shedding light on this dire yet hopeful situation. We wish you and your team all the best in your continued efforts to address this epidemic.
**Dr. Ngongo:** Thank you for having me, and let’s hope for better days ahead.
