Fatshimetrie, a committed news outlet, recently reported a worrying news item from Tembo, Democratic Republic of Congo. Kwango province has been hit by a spate of monkeypox cases, with 32 confirmed cases and one death recorded since the beginning of 2024. The seriousness of the situation was highlighted by the provincial Minister of Health, Apollinaire Yumba Tiabakwau, noting that the region is facing a lethality rate of 3.8%.
The spread of the disease in different health zones, including Kasongo-lunda, Kitenda, Mwela-Lembwa and Panzi, is alarming. The Kenge health zone has the most cases with 13 people affected. In addition, two suspected cases have been identified in Tembo, raising fears of a possible spread of the epidemic.
Dr. Meschac Ngyata, Director of the Tembo Reference Health Zone, confirmed the receipt of a suspected case of monkeypox from the neighboring village of the Ngombia-Ntumba health area. A lady accompanied by a child was admitted for examinations, reinforcing concerns about the spread of the virus.
Faced with this critical situation, the provincial coordination of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) of Kwango has launched an urgent appeal for increased financial and logistical support. Dr. Léon Makambu, EPI coordinating physician, stressed the importance of rapid intervention to identify and treat cases of monkeypox in the community. He stressed that 6 out of 14 health zones are already affected, and that the evolution of the disease is worrying.
In this fight against monkeypox, constant surveillance and adequate management are essential to contain the epidemic. It is imperative that rigorous preventive measures are put in place and local capacities are strengthened to address this public health threat.
The situation in Tembo highlights the vulnerability of populations to infectious diseases and the need for a rapid and coordinated response to prevent the wider spread of monkeypox. It is essential that health authorities and international organizations work together to contain this outbreak and protect the health of local communities.