Addis Ababa, Nov 15 (IANS) Three months after the declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of continental security, the spread of the virus is not slowing as the number of cases reported so far this year surpassed 53,000, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has warned.
During an online media briefing, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said 19 African countries have reported 53,903 mpox cases, with 11,147 confirmed and 1,109 deaths since the start of this year. During last week alone, the African continent reported 2,836 new cases, including 461 confirmed cases and 34 new deaths.
Data from the African Union’s specialized healthcare agency show that the number of confirmed mpox cases in Africa has surged by over 569 per cent this year compared to the total of last year.
Stressing the severity of the crisis, Kaseya said the mpox outbreak is not slowing even three months after the declaration of mpox as a continental health emergency by the Africa CDC. He underscored the need to expand testing and ramp up local manufacturing of medicals, Xinhua news agency reported.
“There is no ground to say the mpox epidemic is under control. From the data, it is expected to increase again before stabilizing and initiating a downward trend toward the beginning of next year,” the Africa CDC chief said, calling for “bold actions” to contain the mpox spread in Africa.
Mpox, known as monkeypox, was first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is a rare viral disease typically spread through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials. The infection usually causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
In mid-August, the Africa CDC declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of continental security. Soon after, the World Health Organization also declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, activating its highest level of global alert for mpox for the second time in two years.
–IANS
as/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
