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Central African Republic Declares Mpox Outbreak as Virus Spreads to Capital. The Central African Republic has announced an mpox outbreak, with infections now present in the capital, Bangui, after spreading from rural areas, BBC News reports. Health Minister Pierre Somse highlighted that the virus has moved into Bangui, a densely populated area, raising concerns about increased transmission risks. Somse noted that some families are hiding infected relatives due to stigma, which complicates efforts to control the outbreak and increases the risk to others. The outbreak is part of a broader regional issue, with new cases reported in Rwanda and Burundi, and a more lethal strain emerging in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The concentration of people in Bangui heightens the risk of mpox spreading, emphasizing the need for heightened public health measures. Mpox spreads through close contact, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets, causing symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and skin lesions. Mpox can be deadly if untreated. The Democratic Republic of Congo has seen over 12,300 suspected cases and 479 deaths this year, with a new strain showing a 10% death rate. The disease, which is endemic in parts of west and central Africa, saw a significant global outbreak in 2022, affecting countries in Europe, Australia, and the United States. Health officials emphasize the importance of public awareness and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of mpox, particularly in densely populated urban centers.
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