Mpox Deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mpox Deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Monkeypox has scared people all over the world, it is spreading in Europe and Asia, but it has reached a dangerous state in Africa. This is the reason why the World Health Organization has declared Mpox a global health emergency. This disease is showing its terrible form in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country on the African continent.

548 people died in Congo this year

Citing epidemiological reports from the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Health Minister Roger Kamba said that since the beginning of 2024, 15,664 potential cases have been recorded in the country, of which 548 people have died so far. The most affected states include Equateur, South Kivu, South Ubangi, Sankuru, Tshuapa, Mongala, and Tshopo. Equateur province has reported the highest number of cases, with 321 deaths.

Why is the situation in Congo worrying?

The situation in the temporary camps of Congo is quite worrying. According to the United Nations office, about 73 lakh internally displaced people are taking shelter in these camps. Since these camps are very crowded, the risk of spreading infection also increases. The initial symptoms of the disease include fever, back pain, headache, swelling and muscle pain. When the fever subsides, rashes appear on the face and then they slowly spread throughout the body. These rashes cause severe pain and extreme itching.

Ampox comes closer to India

The country of Congo (DRC) has been fighting the disease of ampox since the end of 2022. This year, its outbreak has also been seen in 12 countries in Africa. Outside Africa, cases of ampox have also been reported in Sweden in Europe and Pakistan in Asia. This means that this disease has come very close to India, so we also need to be alert.

Indian government increased surveillance

PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chaired a review meeting on Sunday, August 17, regarding preparations to deal with approx. It was decided in this meeting that instructions have been given to increase surveillance regarding the disease and take necessary steps. He also said that PM Modi himself is constantly monitoring the latest situation. However, it is a matter of relief that not a single case of ampox has been reported in our country.