DR Congo To Begin New Round Of Mpox Vaccination
The Health Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) said that the country will begin a new round of vaccination amid the mpox outbreak. DRC is also the epicentre of the ongoing mpox epidemic. According to Xinhua news agency, DRC has recorded more than 1,100 deaths from mpox since the beginning of 2024, has vaccinated about 51,000 people.
The minister at a press briefing in Kinshasa, without specifying the date for the next vaccination round said, “These people must now have the second dose.”
Congo has some 200,000 doses of vaccine on hand and expects to receive an additional 100,000 doses this Thursday, said Kamba. The country aims to vaccinate a total of 2.5 million people using 3.5 million doses.
Since the beginning of this year, 42,912 suspected cases have been reported, including 9,456 confirmed cases and 1,132 deaths. The Central African country is facing a higher mortality rate due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to treatment in several health zones, according to the WHO.
Mpox is a disease caused by a virus and it leads to rashes and flu-like symptoms. There are two types of mpox, clade I and clade II. Clade I usually causes a higher percentage of people with mpox to get severely sick or die compared to clade II.
In the earlier outbreak of mpox, the clade II type spread which didn’t cause fatality. However, in the recent outbreak, the clade I type of the mpox is spreading and it can cause severe symptoms and also death. Therefore, it is important that you keep yourself protected from contracting the disease.
Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent mpox. Other forms of prevention include decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread.
Vaccine for mpox
Experts say that vaccines developed for smallpox also provide protection against mpox. Mpox vaccines are currently only recommended for people who’ve been exposed to or are likely to be exposed to, mpox.
Other ways to prevent mpox
- Avoid contact with infected animals, especially sick or dead animals
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus
- Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat or parts
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus
- Practice safe sex, including the use of condoms and dental dams
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
(With inputs from IANS)
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