NewsDesk @bactiman63

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported an additional 629 monkeypox cases in the past six weeks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Monkeypox Image/CDC

Six additional monkeypox fatalities have also been reported.

Since the beginning of the year through August 8, 2,523 cases have been reported with 66 deaths.

In 2020, a total of 6,257 suspected cases including 229 deaths (CFR 3.7%) were reported in 133 health zones from 17 out of 26 provinces in the country.

Monkeypox, a rare zoonosis that occurs sporadically in forested areas of Central and West Africa, is an orthopoxvirus that can cause fatal illness.

The disease manifestations are similar to human smallpox (eradicated since 1980), however human monkeypox is less severe. The disease is self-limiting with symptoms usually resolving within 14–21 days. Treatment is supportive.

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The virus is transmitted through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids and cutaneous/mucosal lesions of an infected animals (rats, squirrels, monkeys, dormice, striped mice, chimpanzees amongst others rodents) Secondary human-to-human transmission is limited but can occur via exposure to respiratory droplets, contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.

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