SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Mpox: Refugee Crisis Increases Risk of Infection Spread

Overcrowding, lack of hygiene, and inadequate healthcare in conflict-affected eastern Congo-Kinshasa increase the risk of widespread outbreaks of mpox. So far, more than 15,600 cases have been detected – but the dark figure is believed to be large.

» Published: 16 August 2024

Mpox: Refugee Crisis Increases Risk of Infection Spread
Photo: Moses Sawasawa/AP/TT

Already in June, reports emerged that a new, contagious variant of the disease mpox, previously known as monkeypox, had begun to spread in refugee camps in eastern Congo-Kinshasa.

However, with limited opportunities for healthcare personnel to reach rebel-controlled areas, only a fraction of the cases are reported, suspects Oana Mihai, who is responsible for Save the Children's humanitarian operations in Congo-Kinshasa.

Almost all reported cases are from Goma and the surrounding areas, she says.

Nearly 1.1 million people live in informal refugee camps around the provincial capital Goma.

Outbreak of Cholera

Oana Mihai, who was also in the country during the Ebola outbreak, explains that overcrowding and lack of hygiene exacerbate the situation.

We also have an outbreak of cholera. About half of all children are severely malnourished and their immune systems are weakened. This makes them more susceptible to diseases, she says.

About 80 percent of all those affected are children under 15 years old. Few healthcare centers have the ability to isolate patients suspected of carrying the infection, and there is no equipment to diagnose the disease.

Our focus is to try to prevent the spread of the infection. But it's an enormous challenge, says Mihai.

Mistrust of Vaccines

The influx of refugees from rebel-controlled areas is increasing rapidly, putting great pressure on the few healthcare units available.

At one of our healthcare units, we have a capacity for 7,000 patients per month, but now we're up to 10,000 patients per week, says Mihai, who was also in the country during the Ebola outbreak.

Then, as during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was widespread mistrust of the available vaccines.

We're seeing the same thing now. Trust in healthcare is low, says Mihai.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Almost 230 Healthcare Workers Killed in Lebanon
1 MIN READ

Almost 230 Healthcare Workers Killed in Lebanon

Paludan convicted for racist statements
1 MIN READ

Paludan convicted for racist statements

Airport in London Evacuated: "Incident"
1 MIN READ

Airport in London Evacuated: "Incident"

Israel stops disputed detention of settlers
1 MIN READ

Israel stops disputed detention of settlers

Ukraine and Nato meet after Russian missile attack
2 MIN READ

Ukraine and Nato meet after Russian missile attack

New death after methanol alarm in tourist town
1 MIN READ

New death after methanol alarm in tourist town

Iran's IAEA Response: New, Stronger Centrifuges
2 MIN READ

Iran's IAEA Response: New, Stronger Centrifuges

South Korea: What North Korea gets from Russia
1 MIN READ

South Korea: What North Korea gets from Russia

At Least Two Dead in Russian Attack on Sumy
1 MIN READ

At Least Two Dead in Russian Attack on Sumy

Expert: Putin's robot attack a political marking
2 MIN READ

Expert: Putin's robot attack a political marking

Scattering Ashes at Machu Picchu – Security Tightened
1 MIN READ

Scattering Ashes at Machu Picchu – Security Tightened

Zelensky: Putin is testing you
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: Putin is testing you

Orban defies ICC - invites Netanyahu
2 MIN READ

Orban defies ICC - invites Netanyahu

Trump chooses new minister after Gaetz's resignation
2 MIN READ

Trump chooses new minister after Gaetz's resignation

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy
1 MIN READ

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz
1 MIN READ

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan
1 MIN READ

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt
1 MIN READ

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine
1 MIN READ

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex
2 MIN READ

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex