DRC: Five Dogs and Four Pigs Killed by Monkeypox

By The Inspirer.

The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced that five household dogs and four pigs were killed by a Monkeypox outbreak in 2024.

In a report on the spread of the disease, the INSP explained that seven dogs were confirmed to have been infected, out of which five died. Meanwhile, five pigs were also infected, and four of them succumbed to the disease.

Regarding wild animals, the INSP noted that animal health experts suspect that three bats might have been infected with the virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox is a viral disease characterized by numerous pustules and was first identified in monkeys in Denmark in 1958. The first human case was recorded in the DRC in 1970.

This disease has affected the Congolese population sporadically over the years. Since its resurgence in January 2024 until early last week, more than 17,000 cases have been reported, with over 450 deaths.

South Kivu Province is considered the epicenter of this outbreak in the DRC, with over 4,600 cases and more than 26 deaths reported by August 23, 2024. Medical professionals attribute the rapid spread of the disease to the movement of people in the region, particularly those fleeing conflict.

Dr. Gaston Lubambo, the health director of North Kivu Province, stated that by the end of last week, 72 new cases were confirmed, including one in the city of Goma.

Dr. Lubambo said, “In the past week, 72 new cases have been confirmed. This data is from the time the first case was identified. Together with our partners, we are working to establish facilities that can provide both basic and advanced medical care.”

The DRC’s Ministry of Health reported last week that 3.5 million doses of Monkeypox vaccines are needed, but none have been obtained so far. Countries like Japan and the United States have promised to start sending vaccines this week.

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