07 Aug 2024 | 10:35 AM UTC
Cote d'Ivoire: Confirmed monkeypox (mpox) cases reported in multiple areas in early August
Confirmed monkeypox (mpox) cases reported in Cote d'Ivoire in early August. Exercise basic health precautions.
Health officials have reported confirmed monkeypox (mpox) cases in multiple areas in Cote d'Ivoire, with six confirmed mpox cases reported July 1-Aug. 1. This is compared to no cases reported for 2023. The Commune of Yopougon in the Abidjan district (4 cases) is the most affected, followed by Tabou (1 case) and Koumassi (1 case). Local health officials recommend that the population consult their nearest health center as quickly as possible if experiencing any symptoms. The Ministry of Health has implemented a response strategy, including activating the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, strengthening infection prevention and control measures in health facilities, and strengthening epidemiological surveillance for the early detection of suspected cases and contact tracing. 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 Aug. 7.
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.
