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Monkeypox in the Central African Republic

18 April 2019

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) three cases, including one confirmed, were reported in Ippy in week 9 (week ending 3 March 2019). Since 2 October 2018, clusters of cases have been identified across three health districts, namely; Mbaiki district with nine cases including eight confirmed, Bangassou district with five cases including three confirmed, and Bossembele district with four cases including three confirmed. One death was reported in Bossembele.

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.