Monkeypox Outbreak in DR Congo Raises Concerns, Uganda Takes Precautions

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a significant surge in monkeypox cases, prompting concerns about potential cross-border transmission. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), monkeypox is spreading rapidly due to sexual contact and other forms of close physical contact. In 2024 alone, a staggering 7,851 cases were reported in the DRC, resulting in 384 deaths. In response, the Ministry of Health has announced precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus into neighboring countries, including Uganda.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox but generally less severe. It can spread from animals to humans and from person to person. The current outbreak has prompted neighboring countries, including Uganda, to strengthen their surveillance and response strategies.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

Monkeypox symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks after exposure to the virus. The illness begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Within a few days, a rash develops, often starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through several stages, from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs. Symptoms can also include swollen lymph nodes, back pain, and chills. While most cases resolve within two to four weeks, severe cases can occur, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

Transmission and Risk Factors

Monkeypox is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact via contaminated materials such as bedding. People living in or traveling to areas with confirmed monkeypox cases, those who handle animals that might be infected, and healthcare workers are at higher risk. In light of the recent outbreak in DR Congo, Ugandan authorities are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions and to report any suspected cases immediately.

Preventive Measures

In response to the outbreak, the Ugandan Ministry of Health has issued several preventive measures to curb the potential spread of monkeypox. These include:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about monkeypox symptoms, transmission, and prevention through various media channels.
• Enhanced Surveillance: Increasing surveillance at border points and within communities to detect and respond to any suspected cases promptly.
• Travel Advisory: Advising against non-essential travel to areas affected by the monkeypox outbreak in DR Congo.
• Hygiene Practices: Encouraging regular handwashing with soap and water, using hand sanitisers, and avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms of monkeypox.
• Safe Handling of Animals: Advising the public to avoid contact with wild animals, particularly those that are sick or found dead, and to cook all animal products thoroughly before consumption.

The Ugandan government is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Historical Context:

Monkeypox has been a known disease for decades, with the first reported cases dating back to 1958 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, the current outbreak in the DRC is the largest and most widespread in the country’s history, with over 7,851 cases reported in 2024 alone. The virus has also been reported in other African countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency due to the rapid spread of monkeypox in several countries.

The current outbreak in the DRC is particularly concerning due to the rapid spread of the virus, with cases reported in multiple provinces and the potential for cross-border transmission to neighboring countries, including Uganda. The WHO has emphasized the importance of strengthening surveillance and response strategies in affected countries to prevent further spread.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a significant surge in monkeypox cases, with over 7,851 cases reported in 2024 alone, resulting in 384 deaths. • The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that monkeypox is spreading rapidly due to sexual contact and other forms of close physical contact. • The DRC Ministry of Health has announced precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus into neighboring countries, including Uganda. • Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox but generally less severe, and can spread from animals to humans and from person to person. • Symptoms of monkeypox typically appear within one to two weeks after exposure to the virus and include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by a rash that progresses through several stages. • Monkeypox is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals, and human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact via contaminated materials. • The Ugandan Ministry of Health has issued several preventive measures to curb the potential spread of monkeypox, including public awareness campaigns, enhanced surveillance, travel advisories, hygiene practices, and safe handling of animals. • The public is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones, including avoiding unnecessary travel to affected regions, reporting suspected cases immediately, and practicing good hygiene.