Republic of Congo records 261 Mpox cases and two deaths
Health authorities are stepping up awareness and surveillance as 11 departments and 13 districts are now affected.
Health authorities in the Republic of Congo are strengthening their response to a persistent Mpox outbreak, with 261 cases and two deaths recorded, a fatality rate of 0.76%. Men over 15 account for more than 59% of those infected.
At a meeting in Brazzaville on November 10, health district delegates and community relays discussed prevention, epidemiological surveillance and early detection of suspected cases. Congo-Oubangui, Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire are among the most affected areas, and the Lumumba district of Pointe-Noire concentrates a significant share of cases.
Mpox reappeared in the Congo in 2024 and again in 2026. Responders face shortages, with no vaccines available and medicines unavailable, community workers said. Two laboratories are now analysing samples from suspected cases.
Why it mattersMen over 15 make up most of the infected, and community workers say the shortage of vaccines and medicines is slowing the response.