Congo-Brazzaville has confirmed 21 cases of mpox, the health minister announced on Sunday. The country has tracked 158 suspected cases since January, with 21 confirmed and the latest two reported on Thursday.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is surging across eastern and central Africa and has also appeared in Asia and Europe, leading to a global health emergency. In Congo-Brazzaville, the virus has affected five of the country’s 15 regions, with the northern forested areas of Sangha and Likouala being particularly impacted.
A new variant, Clade 1b, has been responsible for a severe outbreak in neighboring DR Congo, resulting in more than 570 deaths this year. While the situation in Congo-Brazzaville is not deemed critical, authorities are urging the public to take preventive measures, such as regular hand washing.
