Title: MonkeyPox, a confirmed case in the DRC: What do you need to know?
Introduction :
The National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) recently confirmed a case of MonkeyPox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This event has attracted a great deal of attention and raises concerns about the spread of this disease. In this article, we will shed some light on MonkeyPox, its symptoms, its transmission and the measures taken by the authorities to contain the situation.
What is MonkeyPox:
MonkeyPox is a viral disease that belongs to the orthopoxvirus family, the same family as smallpox. It was first discovered in monkeys in Central Africa, hence its name. Symptoms of MonkeyPox in humans are similar to those of smallpox, but generally less severe. They include skin rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands.
The transmission of the MonkeyPox:
MonkeyPox is mainly transmitted by direct contact with bodily secretions or skin lesions of an infected person. It is therefore important to take precautions, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with anyone showing symptoms. Although the disease can spread quickly in nearby populations, it is not as contagious as smallpox.
The case of MonkeyPox in the DRC:
The recently confirmed case in the DRC concerns a 31-year-old man from Inongo, in the province of Mai-Ndombe. He arrived in Kinshasa on August 18 and was diagnosed with MonkeyPox by the INRB on August 21. Since then, nearly 50 people who had been in contact with him have been identified and placed under surveillance at Kinshasa’s general hospital.
The measures taken by the authorities:
Health authorities reacted quickly after the confirmation of the case of MonkeyPox in the DRC. A team from the Ministry of Health traveled to Inongo to carry out further investigations and identify possible other cases. In addition, all people who have been in contact with the patient have been placed under surveillance to ensure that they do not develop the disease.
Conclusion :
The confirmed case of MonkeyPox in the DRC is a worrying situation, but the health authorities have taken appropriate measures to contain the spread of the disease. It is important to stay informed and follow the directives of health authorities to limit the risk of transmission. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you informed of the latest developments