EBN- Fears of a new outbreak of monkeypox in Africa remain a matter of international concern, after a new strain of the virus was detected and spread rapidly in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On the subject, World Health Organization spokeswoman Margaret Harris said in a press statement today, Saturday, that there is great concern about the spread of monkeypox, which prompted the organization to declare a state of emergency.
She pointed out that the epidemic had spread to the Republic of the Congo and to neighbouring countries, namely Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, although these countries had not previously witnessed the spread of the epidemic.
She pointed out the emergence of a new strain of monkeypox, “1B”, which is fast-spreading, noting that this epidemic will not lead to an international lockdown as happened during the “Covid-19” period because it spreads through contact.
Harris said that African countries are cooperating with each other and with the World Health Organization to stop the spread of the epidemic and build capacities for testing, treatment and obtaining vaccines, noting that there is a shortage in vaccine supplies, although it is not the only way to stop the spread of the epidemic and there are other ways.
The health organization called for rapid access to monkeypox diagnostic tests, asking manufacturers to consider including targeted products on the emergency use list, and to submit quality, safety and availability data as soon as possible.
The organization is expected to send 30,000 tests in the coming weeks to affected countries.
