Africa Approves First Locally-Made Mpox Test Amid 203 Cases, Including 8 in Last 14 Days

Nov 14, 2024, 08:10 AM

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has approved the first locally-made diagnostic test for mpox, aiming to control outbreaks of the disease on the continent. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is highly infectious and can be transmitted from person to person, with origins linked to infected animals. In France, Public Health France reported a total of 203 cases of mpox since January 1, 2024, including eight cases in the last two weeks. The disease is characterized by rashes that can appear as blisters or sores, lasting from two to four weeks, and can range from a few lesions to hundreds. Understanding the transmission and the sources of mpox is critical for public health efforts.