Mpox Transmission from Pregnant Women to Unborn Babies Raises Alarm in Central Africa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed cases of mpox infection being passed on from pregnant women to their unborn babies in central Africa, Bloomberg reports.
While the exact number of cases remains unknown, the development has sparked concern amongst health officials.
Director-General Jean Kaseya revealed the alarming trend at a briefing on Thursday. In parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, children under five account for 38% of total cases, with a majority being infants. This transmission is believed to occur through breastfeeding or contact with infected family members after leaving the maternity ward.
“We are conducting a number of studies to understand the epidemiology,” Kaseya said, emphasizing the need for further research.
DR Congo has already reported 20,465 cases and 635 deaths from mpox this year.
The United Nations is stepping up efforts to contain the spread of mpox amongst children under 15 in Congo, acknowledging that initial vaccine shipments have not reached the most vulnerable population.
With schools in Kinshasa reopening after holidays, there are concerns about a potential surge in cases due to the densely populated city’s environment. Kaseya stressed the importance of preventative measures like handwashing and physical distancing to mitigate the risk.
