Angola Strengthens Mpox Prevention Along Border with DRC

Luanda:Lunda-Sul: Health authorities in Angola's eastern province of Lunda-Sul are intensifying prevention efforts against Mpox along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These measures are focused on the municipalities of Cassai-Sul, Muconda, and Chiluage to contain potential cases of the disease. According to Angola Press News Agency, Félix Upale, the acting head of the Public Health Department, stated that the initiatives involve border security measures with personnel from the National Border Police, health technicians, traditional authorities, and religious leaders. They are also conducting tests to detect the disease early. Health technicians have been trained in early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of Mpox, and are ready to provide medical and pharmaceutical assistance for any cases or outbreaks. Hospitals in Cassai-Sul, Muconda, Chiluage, and Sombo have been equipped with reagents to facilitate mobility and diagnostic assessments, thereby preventing the virus's spread. Awar eness campaigns and epidemiological surveillance are ongoing at taxi ranks, markets, churches, and other densely populated areas. Diagnosed or suspected cases are referred to specialized health centers for evaluation and treatment. Félix Upale reported that 11 cases have been registered, with five patients discharged. The remaining cases are stable and under monitoring. He urged the public to frequently wash hands, disinfect surfaces and personal items, and avoid close contact with suspected individuals, among other precautions. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the mpox virus.