Mpox Outbreak: 258 Cases in Burundi, 35 Deaths in DRC, Vaccine Efforts Underway

Aug 29, 2024, 02:07 PM

The Mpox virus is spreading rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant outbreaks reported in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Burundi has confirmed 258 cases with no fatalities, while the DRC has reported 35 new deaths. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has highlighted that only 40% of Mpox cases in the DRC are laboratory tested, suggesting the actual number of cases could be much higher. The outbreak poses a significant public health emergency, with the World Health Organization (WHO) and African Union working to secure nearly a million vaccine doses. The first vaccine shipment has arrived in Nigeria. The rapid spread of the virus is exacerbating fiscal pressures in the region, according to Fitch Ratings. Efforts are underway to enhance surveillance and testing, with 72 epidemiologists deployed to affected areas. The WHO has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, emphasizing the need for global solidarity and vaccine distribution.