Monkeypox in Central African Republic: ProMed update

Date: Fri 16 Mar 2018 Source: WHO Weekly Bulletin of Outbreaks and Other Emergencies [edited] http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/260520/1/OEW11-101632018.pdf During week 9 (week ending 4 Mar 2018), 3 suspected cases of monkeypox were reported in Bria town in Haute-Kotto prefecture. Samples obtained from the 1st 2 cases tested positive for monkeypox at the Institut Pasteur Bangui. Further investigations are ongoing. Public health actions 

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A crisis committee has been revitalized in response to the monkeypox outbreak, being supported by WHO and partners. An isolation unit has been set up in Bria hospital, where the 3 patients are being treated, supported by the NGO IMC. The contacts of these cases are being monitored. Standard case definition for monkeypox has been disseminated to facilitate identification of cases and awareness about prevention is ongoing in the community and on the local community radio. The Ministry of Health is in the process of developing a monkeypox outbreak response plan, following the confirmation of the disease in Bria.