Since Oct. 2 2018, clusters of monkeypox cases have been identified across three health districts in the Central African Republic (CAR), according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Monkeypox Image/CDC
Monkeypox Image/CDC

The districts reporting cases include Mbaiki (9), Bangassou (5) and Bossembele (4). In addition, one death was reported in Bossembele.

Since March 2018, 35 total cases have been recorded (24 confirmed), including 2 fatalities.

Monkeypox is a rare disease that occurs throughout remote parts of Central and West Africa, often near tropical rainforests. It is spread through contact with the monkeypox virus from an animal or human (alive or dead) or with materials contaminated with the virus.

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Symptoms begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion, and is 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.