By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

Through the first nearly 10 months of 2020, health officials have reported 6,231 suspected and confirmed monkeypox cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Cases have been reported in 127 health zones from 17 out of 26 provinces in the country.

Monkeypox/CDC

This is a large increase in cases compared to the same period in 2019 when 4,311 cases were reported.

In addition, the death toll due to monkeypox has topped 200–203 reported year to date, more than doubling the 87 deaths recorded last year through October.

Officials say one major challenge to the current emergency includes acquiring the required funding to respond to all the multiple ongoing outbreaks in the country.

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.

Outbreak News Merchandise

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.

Monkeypox is fatal in as many as 10% of people who get it.