By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
From our last report on the monkeypox situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in September, 172 additional suspected cases have been reported (The week ending Oct 17), according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since the beginning of the year, 2,764 cases have been reported. Three additional deaths have been reported over this time, bringing the total this year to 72.
In 2020, the country saw 6,257 suspected cases including 229 deaths (CFR 3.7%) that were reported in 133 health zones from 17 out of 26 provinces in the country. In 2019, 5,288 suspected cases and 107 deaths (CFR 2.0%) were reported in 132 health zones from 18 provinces.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion are followed by a rash. Patients are usually ill for 2–4 weeks.
Infected animals such as rodents and primates can spread the virus to people (or other animals) when they bite or scratch. A person can also become infected by touching infected animals or from touching products that come from infected animals, including meat.
People infected with monkeypox can spread the virus to others through the air when they cough, sneeze, or talk. The body fluids and skin sores of a person infected with monkeypox are also infectious.
Monkeypox is fatal in as many as 10% of people who get it.
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