31 Jul 2024 | 03:44 PM UTC
Central African Republic: Elevated monkeypox (mpox) activity reported in multiple areas through July
Elevated monkeypox (mpox) activity reported in the Central African Republic through July. Exercise basic health precautions.
Health officials have reported elevated monkeypox (mpox) cases in multiple areas in the Central African Republic (CAR), with 213 total mpox cases (28 confirmed, 185 suspected) reported as of Jan. 1-July 28. This is compared to the 20 confirmed cases reported for 2023. Disease activity has been reported in 14 of the CAR’s 35 districts. The CAR Ministry of Health declared a mpox epidemic in Bangui on July 26, with cases reported in multiple districts. As disease surveillance and contact tracing continue, officials will likely identify additional cases in the coming weeks. This report represents the most up-to-date information as of July 31.
Practice basic health precautions, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering the nose and mouth when coughing, and avoiding obviously ill individuals. Avoid overcrowded areas such as nightclubs and consider using safe sexual practices such as physical barriers (condoms) in countries reporting mpox transmission. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas, especially if you have had one or more new sexual partners. Vaccines are available.
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Mpox is mainly transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected individuals (including intimate or sexual contact), infected animals, or through contact with contaminated materials. Human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through close personal contact with an infected individual via respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids, or indirect contact with lesion material (e.g., contaminated clothing or bedding). Symptoms typically appear 3-17 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, headache, muscle and back aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a distinctive rash characterized by lesions that progress through several stages before falling off.
