Ivory Coast: Mpox Infection Status”
• The health authorities in Côte d’Ivoire have confirmed six cases of Mpox infection.
• Please make efforts to prevent infection and stay updated with the latest information.
1. Infection Status
1. Currently, an outbreak of Mpox (Monkeypox) is occurring mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).”
2. According to the health authorities in Côte d’Ivoire, sporadic cases of infection have been confirmed: one case in Kumasi in the Abidjan district, four cases in Yopougon, and one case in Tabo on the western coast. As of August 20, there have been reports of 28 cases of illness, with one death.
2. Mpox Infection Pathways, Symptoms, Prevention, and Response
1. Infection Pathways
• Contact with rodents such as squirrels, monkeys, or rabbits carrying the virus; contact with body fluids or blood of infected people or animals; and droplet exposure from close face-to-face interaction with patients.
2. Symptoms
• The incubation period is typically 6 to 13 days (up to 3 weeks). Symptoms include fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes (under the jaw, neck, groin), which persist for 0 to 5 days. A rash usually appears 1 to 3 days after the fever starts. The rash typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks and resolves on its own, though it can become severe in children, patients with compromised health, or those with complications.
3. Treatment
• Treatment is symptomatic, and there are no approved medications for Mpox in the country.
4. Prevention
• Key preventive measures include avoiding contact with animals and people suspected of infection and practicing good hand hygiene.
5. Response
• Early symptoms such as fever and headache can be similar to those of malaria, COVID-19, influenza, and colds. If you suspect an infection or experience symptoms, it is recommended to visit a healthcare facility.
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