Mpox Outbreak Hits Central African Republic: New Cases In Bangui, Regional Spread Raises Alarm

An outbreak of mpox has been confirmed in several towns and villages across the Central African Republic (CAR), with new cases reported this week in the capital, Bangui, according to local health officials.

In addition, the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced a severe mpox crisis, with over 20,000 cases and more than 1,000 deaths, predominantly among children, since the beginning of 2023. This year alone has seen over 11,000 cases and 443 deaths.

CAR officials have also reported numerous suspected cases in neighboring countries, including Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, and Nigeria, raising concerns about the potential for rapid spread.

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Pierre Somse, CAR’s Health Minister, has called on family heads and community leaders—including traditional rulers and religious figures—to alert health authorities if anyone shows symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, or develops rashes and large boils. In a statement on state TV, Somse advised the public to avoid contact with wild animals and to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals or sick individuals.

The CAR government has mobilized health workers to affected areas to transport patients and suspected cases to hospitals, where treatment will be provided free of charge. Somse emphasized the importance of avoiding traditional healers and herbalists, as those who come into direct contact with infected individuals outside of medical facilities are at significant risk.

Health officials are also working to locate and assist patients who may be hiding due to stigma or misconceptions about the treatability of mpox. In a coordinated effort, CAR is collaborating with neighboring countries—Republic of Congo, Congo, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad—to combat the outbreak.

Maxime Balalou, CAR’s Communication Minister and government spokesperson, noted that controlling the spread of mpox is challenging due to the country’s porous borders and the movement of people, including cattle ranchers and hunters, across the Congo Basin. He stressed that CAR cannot manage this crisis alone and requires regional cooperation to address the disease effectively.

(Includes inputs from online sources)

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