Mpox ‘Not Under Control’ – Health Watchdog Reports ‘Rising’ Cases

Africa’s health watchdog has warned that the smallpox epidemic is still not under control, andappealed for resources to prevent a pandemic ‘more serious’ than COVID-19.‘The situation is not yet under control, but the general trend is upwards’, stated NgashiNgongo, of the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).According to the CDC, more than 1,100 people have died of smallpox in Africa, where some48,000 cases have been recorded since January.Cases continue to rise in several countries as the continent struggles to contain a major newepidemic in the wake of COVID-19, which highlighted weaknesses in Africa’s health system.Currently, 19 African countries have reported cases of smallpox after an infection wasdetected in Mauritius, a popular tourist destination with magnificent white beaches andcrystal-clear waters.