Title: WHO Confirms Sexual Transmission of Monkeypox in DRC, Raises Concerns for Global Spread
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the first-ever confirmed case of sexual transmission of monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This confirmation comes amidst the country’s largest outbreak of the disease to date.
The case involved a Belgian resident who visited Congo in March and subsequently tested positive for monkeypox. The individual identified himself as a man who has sexual relations with other men. Shockingly, five of his sexual partners also tested positive for the virus.
Nigerian virologist, Oyewale Tomori, hailed this as the first concrete evidence of sexual transmission of monkeypox in Africa. Until now, the virus has primarily been transmitted from infected rodents to humans in parts of Central and West Africa.
While last year’s epidemics among gay and bisexual men in Europe resulted in over 100 cases spanning more than 100 countries, the current outbreak in Congo is described as “unusual.” It emphasizes the potential risk of the disease spreading within sexual networks.
This ongoing outbreak has already infected over 12,500 people and claimed approximately 580 lives, making it the country’s most significant outbreak to date. According to Virologist Tomori, what is happening in Congo likely occurs in other parts of Africa as well, but remains hidden due to LGBTQ+ laws and stigma.
The spread of monkeypox could become even more challenging to contain if at-risk populations are driven underground due to discriminatory laws and lack of support. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, rash, and lesions on the face or genitals. Nevertheless, the majority of infected individuals recover within weeks without hospitalization.
The WHO warns that the risk of monkeypox spreading beyond the DRC to other African countries and globally is substantial, with potentially more severe consequences than the previous year’s epidemic. This situation highlights the urgent need for Africa to take monkeypox more seriously and develop vaccines.
Despite the thousands of cases in the DRC, no vaccines have been distributed yet. The lack of action underscores the importance of prioritizing research, prevention, and public health measures to combat the ongoing outbreak and minimize future risks.
As the world grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of another infectious disease outbreak sends a stark reminder of the need for global collaboration and robust public health measures to safeguard against the spread of infectious diseases.
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