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Monkeypox in Democratic Republic of the Congo

01 April 2019

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that there have been 824 cases of monkeypox (including 12 deaths) in Democratic Republic of the Congo between 01 January and 03 March 2019. The cases have been reported from the Provincial Health Divisions of Equateur, North Ubangi and South Ubangi.

Advice to Travellers

Monkeypox is a rare infection related to smallpox. It resembles the less severe variola minor form of smallpox and is generally fatal in only a minority of cases. Monkeypox is unusual in travellers and tends to occur in isolated rural or forest areas.

Nearly all cases have occurred in Central or West Africa, with only a few cases ever reported outside Africa. Most infections result from direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or cutaneous/ mucosal lesions of infected animals including monkeys, giant rats, squirrels and rabbits. Rodents are the major source of infection. Eating undercooked meat of infected animals is a possible risk factor.

There is no specific vaccine or treatment for monkeypox and prevention is by avoiding contact with infected animals and people.

For further information see Monkeypox.