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The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported
nine cases of monkeypox since 9 March 2019 in the Republic of Congo. Two samples from Makontipoko village in Gambona district tested in the INRB-Kinshasa were positive for monkeypox (PCR OPX).
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.
