Mpox outbreak threatens normal business for DR Congo, neighbours

Southern African countries have activated emergency measures to tame the spread of Mpox from its epicentre in the Democratic Republic of Congo in what could disrupt the recent rise from the chaos of Covid-19.

The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) last week said there have been some 8479 cases, and 401 deaths, from Mpox since January 2024 on the continent, even though there have been cases in 110 countries since last year in May.

•   Do not leave your home if you suspect or are confirmed with Mpox, except to seek health care.
•   Avoid contact with wild or domestic animals
•   Wash hands often with soap and water
•   Suspected/confirmed cases of monkeypox should be isolated in a room from other family members where possible
•   Persons with monkeypox infection should wear a surgical mask (especially those who have respiratory symptoms e.g., cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) where feasible
•   Disposable gloves should be worn to avoid direct contact with lesions, and these should be disposed of after each use
•   Skin lesions should be covered to the best extent possible (e.g., long sleeves, trousers/long pants) to minimise the risk of contact with others
•   Laundry (e.g., linen and clothing), dishes and all contaminated surfaces may be washed with hot water, detergent, and disinfectant (0.5 percent sodium hypochlorite solution)
•   The importance of hand hygiene using soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitiser should be emphasised.