The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing an outbreak of Mpox, also known as monkeypox, prompting the CDC to issue a health advisory. The virus causes a rash and other symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. The outbreak involves a more contagious and severe strain of the virus. The CDC recommends vaccination for people at risk and has issued a Travel Health Notice for those traveling to the Congo. With cases on the rise, travelers are urged to minimize contact with sick individuals and wild animals. Americans traveling to the Congo who develop symptoms are advised to seek clade-specific testing. The outbreak has resulted in over 12,500 clinically diagnosed cases and nearly 600 deaths in the Congo, with the highest number of cases ever reported. During the 2022/2023 outbreak, over 31,000 Americans were diagnosed with Mpox and 55 died.
Source link