Cape Verde Strengthen Surveillance at the Country’s Entrances on Mpox Outbreak
Lucie Habimana, 13, has her face covered in ointment after receiving treatment for mpox at the Munigi Health Centre in Munigi, DRC. Photo: EFE
August 17, 2024 Hour: 12:03 pm
Cape Verde will strengthen epidemiological surveillance at points of entry into the country to detect any suspected case of mpox before the current outbreak, said Health Minister Filomena Gonçalves on Saturday.
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For control in ports and airports, professionals will be trained in case identification and reporting and the diagnostic capacity of laboratories will be increased, he said, according to a statement released by his ministry.
In addition, communication and public awareness campaigns will be launched, added the minister, who said she is in contact with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners for “possible technical support and treatment, including vaccines if necessary.”
The Cape Verde archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean has not reported any cases of mpox in this new outbreak, which is mainly focused on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Since early 2024, a total of 17,541 cases (2,822 confirmed and 14,719 suspected) and 517 deaths from mpox have been reported in 13 African countries, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Africa (CDC), the main African public health agency, which last Tuesday declared the outbreak a public health emergency of continental importance.
One day later, the WHO called it a public health emergency of international importance.
The mpox virus is responsible for an infectious disease that can cause swelling of the lymph nodes and painful or itchy rashes, including pimples or blisters.
Autor: ACJ
