ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The number of mpox cases reported in Africa has surpassed 19,500 so far this year, as conflict and "massive displacement" in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) hampers response efforts, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has said.
During an online media briefing on Thursday evening, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said that the African continent has reported 19,544 mpox cases since the start of the year. Of these, 4,830 were confirmed and more than 191 deaths were recorded.
Data from the African Union's specialized healthcare agency showed that out of the 22 affected African countries, 13 countries are currently experiencing active transmission of the virus, while nine countries are in the controlled phase.
Kaseya said during last week alone, 12 African countries have reported 2,838 new cases, including 606 confirmed ones and 38 new related deaths.
Meanwhile, Kaseya expressed concerns over the challenges in the eastern DRC, where fighting escalated between the DRC army and March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.
According to data from the Africa CDC, the DRC, which is at the epicenter of the current mpox outbreak in Africa, has recorded 2,246 mpox cases in the past week.
The Africa CDC chief said that the conflict has disrupted laboratory services, hindering mpox testing and reporting in the conflict-affected provinces, while at least 400 active patients have fled treatment centers in the conflict-affected areas,
He further warned about the negative impact of conflict and insecurity-induced "massive population displacement" in terms of spreading the virus among communities and beyond.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease typically transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials. The infection often causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
In mid-August last year, the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security. Shortly afterward, the World Health Organization designated the viral disease as a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second time in two years that it activated its highest level of global alert for mpox. ■
