DRC launches first mpox vaccination drive in efforts to curb outbreak

Since the start of 2024, the DRC has reported more than 30,000 suspected and confirmed cases of mpox, and 900 deaths, the World Health Organization said.

The virus can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal. Once contracted, the virus typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.

In August, the WHO declared mpox a public health emergency after discovering a new, more infectious variant, named clade Ib.

According to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, mpox has been detected in 16 African countries so far this year.

On Friday, the WHO announced that it had approved a PCR test to detect mpox by swabbing skin lesions.

Kamba said the WHO