A glimmer of hope has emerged in the ongoing battle against the mpox outbreak in the Congo region.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Monday that the number of cases in the area where the more infectious variant was first detected seems to be stabilizing.
However, the WHO cautioned that the overall trend of mpox infections across Africa remains concerning, with cases rising in other parts of Congo, as well as in Burundi and Uganda.
The less severe symptoms associated with the new variant pose a significant challenge. Individuals may be unaware of their infection, leading to increased transmission.
This is particularly evident in Burundi, where the majority of cases are among children and young adults.
In Uganda, the virus is primarily spreading through sexual contact, affecting mostly adults.
While vaccination efforts are underway, with over 50,000 people in Congo already immunized, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that millions more doses are needed to effectively contain the outbreak.
The WHO is closely monitoring the situation and will convene an expert meeting on November 22 to assess whether the global health emergency declaration for mpox remains necessary.
Recently, the United Kingdom confirmed the first instance of the more infectious mpox variant spreading outside of Africa, highlighting the global nature of this health crisis.
As the world grapples with this evolving situation, it is crucial to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines to mitigate the spread of mpox.