• Vaccination: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with approved vaccines for close contacts of confirmed cases
• Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures: Implementing IPC measures in community and healthcare settings to break the chain of transmission
• Surveillance and contact tracing: Early detection of cases and tracing of close contacts to prevent further transmission
This endorsement and the recommended prevention and control measures aim to enhance Africa’s capacity for disease preparedness and response.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has endorsed the first locally produced mpox test, developed in Morocco . This real-time PCR test quickly detects pathogen DNA in blood, saliva, or tissue, and has been deemed reliable and effective . The endorsement is a significant milestone in combating the mpox outbreak on the continent, which has recorded over 50,000 cases and 1,100 deaths since the start of the year.
Mpox Overview
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a rare viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus . It occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of central and west Africa and can spread through close contact with infected animals or humans. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and can be deadly
