In the remote and little-publicized province of Mai-Ndombe, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a worrying health situation is currently making the local population tremble. Cases of Mpox, a disease feared for its virulence and ability to spread rapidly, are increasing dramatically.
Over the weeks, the numbers have continued to climb, going from 26 to 35 cases reported during the 35th epidemiological week, to reach the sad sum of 52 cases in the 36th week. These figures are all the more alarming given that the number of deaths linked to this disease has also increased, going from 2 to 4 in the space of a week.
Local health authorities are on the alert, seeking to stem this worrying spread as quickly as possible. Dr. Manassé Iyemanzay, head of the technical support office at the provincial health division, is sounding the alarm, stressing the urgent need to act to contain the disease and protect the population.
The Oshwe health zone is particularly affected, with 38 cases reported during the last epidemiological week. This concentration of cases in the same region raises questions about the preventive measures put in place and the accessibility of care for the most vulnerable populations.
However, despite these worrying figures, a glimmer of hope remains. The Inongo health zone, which has been at the top of the cases recorded since the beginning of the year, has not reported any cases of Mpox during the last epidemiological week. This good news shows that it is possible to contain the disease and protect populations through appropriate measures and effective mobilization.
The fight against Mpox in Mai-Ndombe province is a major challenge, but it is essential that all stakeholders mobilize to tackle it. Awareness, prevention and access to care must be at the heart of priorities in order to stem the spread of this dreaded disease and protect the health of local populations.