By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued travel notices for the African countries of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to ongoing outbreaks of monkeypox.
In Nigeria, continues to report sporadic cases of monkeypox since September, 2017. More than 100 suspected and confirmed cases were reported in 2019, including one fatality.
In the DRC, 5,060 cumulative monkeypox cases through Dec. 8 last year, including 103 fatalities–a 2 percent CFR.
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.
Travelers to Nigeria or DRC can protect themselves from monkeypox by washing their hands often with soap and water and avoiding contact with wild animals and products made from wild animals. Travelers should also avoid contact with people who are sick.
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.
Diphtheria update in South Darfur, Sudan
Plague: Global cases down significantly, Madagascar accounts for majority