The US CDC has warned that the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda has the potential to reach the scale of the devastating 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic if strict public health interventions are not immediately implemented.


Ebola Cases Surge Across Central Africa

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited a newly opened Ebola treatment facility in Bunia, the epicenter of an escalating outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). During the visit, he hailed recent patient recoveries and urgently appealed for increased international funding.


W.H.O Chief Tedros Visits New Ebola Facility in DR Congo

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying as health authorities battle rising infections and growing public panic. Medical teams are working to contain the spread through surveillance, testing, treatment, and vaccination efforts, while misinformation and fear continue to challenge response measures. 


WHO Raises Congo Ebola Risk to Very High, Officials Ramp Up Measures

South Africa has announced plans to withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the end of a 27-year-long United Nations peacekeeping mission. The decision reflects a strategic shift in South Africa’s military commitments and has implications for regional security and UN operations in the DRC. In this video, we cover the timeline of South Africa’s deployment, the role of troops in peacekeeping, and reactions from local and international authorities.

DRC Troop Withdrawal: South Africa Ends 27-Year Peacekeeping Mission in DRC

Models, designers, and fashion lovers gathered at Goma’s Serena Hotel for the fourth edition of Kivu Fashion Week, founded in 2022 by Voyance Batinda. The runway showcased evening gowns and modern interpretations of traditional clothing while promoting solidarity, hope, and resilience in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region affected by long-running conflict. Despite ongoing violence and recent clashes involving M23 rebels, the organisers and participants say continuing the fashion show is a way to unite communities and highlight creativity, culture, and peace beyond the war.

Africa: Fourth Edition of Kivu Fashion Week Celebrates Solidarity and Resilience in Goma, DRC

Over 84,000 refugees have fled violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo into neighbouring Burundi this month, marking the second major influx this year. The UN says the surge has overwhelmed Burundi, one of the world’s poorest countries, with camps facing cholera cases and long food queues. Fighting continues despite a U.S.-brokered peace deal between Congo and Rwanda.

Africa: Burundi Overwhelmed as Tens of Thousands Flee Congo Violence

Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has been sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes and treason.


DRC: Former Congolese president sentenced to death for war crimes

The attacks, carried out by the Allied Democratic Force, were the latest in a series of mass attacks on civilians in the troubled region.


DR Congo: I-S affiliated ADF group carries out 2 attacks in Eastern Congo

South African troops who are withdrawing from the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will be back home by this month, according to the country's defense chief. Under the phased withdrawal, which began on the 29th of April, the South African troops will exit the DRC via Rwanda and Tanzania, from where they will return to South Africa by sea and air. The soldiers are part of the South African Development Community (SADC) regional force that was deployed in the DRC in December 2023 during a resurgence of the M23 armed movement.

South Africa Defence Chief: DRC exit to be completed by May-end

Rising number of fatalities caused by landslides and flash floods in eastern Congo Authorities reported that many more people were still missing after severe rains wrecked structures, killing more than 200. Dozens of survivors are being treated at a nearby hospital for injuries they sustained during the storm.

Kinshasa flooding: Flooding hampers access to drinking water, 16 communes affected

Kinshasa flooding: Hundreds of homes and buildings damaged

The Democratic Republic of Congo has reportedly put a deal on the table for US President Donald Trump. It has called for help in defeating rebel forces in exchange for access to a trove of minerals needed by US high-tech firms.

DR Congo offers minerals deal to Trump, says report

A mystery disease has killed over 50 people in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), doctors in the central African nation, and the World Health Organisation.&nbsp;
The disease was first reported after three children ate a bat, and claimed over 50 lives in just five weeks.&nbsp;
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 431 cases were reported and 53 deaths in two outbreaks across remote villages in Equateur province as of February 16.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rwandan-backed-m23-declares-ceasefire-in-drc-for-humanitarian-reasons-8690972">Rwandan-backed M23 declares ceasefire in DRC &lsquo;for humanitarian reasons&rsquo;</a>
The interval between the onset of symptoms and death has been just 48 hours in the majority of cases, and "that's what's really worrying", Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring center, told The Associated Press on Monday.
<h2>What are the symptoms?</h2>
The symptoms include fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, with most patients dying within 48 hours of onset.&nbsp;
"The outbreaks, which have seen cases rise rapidly within days, pose a significant public health threat. The exact cause remains unknown," a WHO spokesperson said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-chinese-nationals-two-others-killed-in-attack-on-convoy-carrying-gold-in-democratic-republic-of-congo-631785">Two Chinese nationals, two others killed in attack on convoy carrying gold in Democratic Republic of Congo</a>
For long, there have been concerns about diseases jumping from animals to humans in places where wild animals are popularly eaten.&nbsp;
Such outbreaks in Africa have surged by more than 60 per cent in the last decade.&nbsp;
Notably, in 2024, another mystery flu-like illness killed more than 143 people in another part of Congo and was determined to be likely malaria.
The DRC has been witnessing many disease outbreaks in recent years, including typhoid, malaria, and anemia.&nbsp;
According to the WHO, the country has also recently grappled with an Mpox outbreak, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths from the disease.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 431 cases were reported and 53 deaths in two outbreaks across remote villages in Equateur province as of February 16.

A mystery disease has killed over 50 people in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), doctors in the central African nation, and the World Health Organisation. The disease was first reported after three children ate a bat, and claimed over 50 lives in just five weeks. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 431 cases were reported and 53 deaths in two outbreaks across remote villages in Equateur province as of February 16. Also read: Rwandan-backed M23 declares ceasefire in DRC ‘for humanitarian reasons’ The interval between the onset of symptoms and death has been just 48 hours in the majority of cases, and "that's what's really worrying", Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, a regional monitoring center, told The Associated Press on Monday. What are the symptoms? The symptoms include fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, with most patients dying within 48 hours of onset. "The outbreaks, which have seen cases rise rapidly within days, pose a significant public health threat. The exact cause remains unknown," a WHO spokesperson said. Also read: Two Chinese nationals, two others killed in attack on convoy carrying gold in Democratic Republic of Congo For long, there have been concerns about diseases jumping from animals to humans in places where wild animals are popularly eaten. Such outbreaks in Africa have surged by more than 60 per cent in the last decade. Notably, in 2024, another mystery flu-like illness killed more than 143 people in another part of Congo and was determined to be likely malaria. The DRC has been witnessing many disease outbreaks in recent years, including typhoid, malaria, and anemia. According to the WHO, the country has also recently grappled with an Mpox outbreak, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 suspected deaths from the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery disease kills over 50 people in DR Congo - Know the symptoms

The UK has summoned Rwanda’s envoy over the M23 group’s advance in the DRC. Uganda has deployed troops to combat militias, while the UN has warned of a deteriorating situation, highlighting ongoing violence against children in eastern DRC.

Congo crisis: UK summons Rwandan envoy amid m23 advance in DRC crisis

Rwandan-backed armed group M23 announced a humanitarian "ceasefire" from Tuesday in DR Congo's perennially explosive east, days before a planned crisis meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan leaders.&nbsp;
Last week, the M23 and Rwandan troops seized Goma -- the provincial capital of the mineral-rich North Kivu region that has been blighted by conflict from multiple armed groups for over three decades.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-school-shooting-five-people-shot-at-in-school-in-orebro-8690494">'Painful day for country': Swedish PM says after five injured in school shooting</a>
Fighting has stopped in the city, which is home to more than a million people, but clashes have spread to the neighbouring province of South Kivu, raising fears of an M23 advance to its capital Bukavu.
A political-military coalition of groups called the Alliance Fleuve Congo (River Congo Alliance), of which M23 is a member, said in a statement late Monday that it would implement "a ceasefire" from the next day "for humanitarian reasons".
It added that it had "no intention of taking control of Bukavu or other localities", despite the M23 having said last week that it wanted to "continue the march" to the Congolese capital Kinshasa.
In more than three years of fighting, half a dozen ceasefires and truces have been declared, before being systematically broken.&nbsp;
The Kenyan presidency announced on Monday that Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame would attend a joint extraordinary summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam on Saturday.&nbsp;
And as fears of a regional conflagration spiralled, the 16 member countries of the southern African regional organisation had called on Friday for "a joint summit" with the eight countries of the East African Community, of which Rwanda is a member.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-health-secretary-pick-rfk-jr-clears-key-senate-committee-vote-democrats-call-him-unqualified-8690930">Trump's Health Secretary pick RFK Jr. clears key Senate committee vote; Democrats call him &lsquo;unqualified&rsquo;</a>
A local source in Bukavu told AFP the city "remains calm for the moment", but information suggests the M23 was "reorganising itself with troop reinforcements and weapons to go to the front now that fighting has ceased in Goma".
<h2>'Lifeline'</h2>
The University of Goma called for students to return to class on Monday, signalling a desire to return to normal in the city.
The escalation in violence has seen at least 900 people killed in the Goma clashes and 2,880 wounded, according to the UN's humanitarian body.
The situation in the east of the country has international observers warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.
On Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council said it would hold a special session on Friday to focus on "the human rights situation in eastern DRC" following a request by Kinshasa.
Goma city was "facing a humanitarian emergency", the UN's OCHA said on Tuesday, urging authorities to reopen the airport.
"Goma airport is a lifeline. Without it, the evacuation of the seriously injured, the delivery of medical supplies and the reception of humanitarian reinforcements are paralysed", it said in a statement.
<h2>South-Africa Rwanda spat</h2>
In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to keep providing support to the DRC in the face of nationwide calls to withdraw his country's troops following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers.
Most of those killed were part of an armed force sent to the eastern DRC in 2023 by the SADC bloc.
Kagame has said South African troops have no place in eastern DRC and are a "belligerent force engaging in offensive combat operations to help the DRC government fight against its own people".
A UN expert report said last year that Rwanda had up to 4,000 troops in the DRC, seeking to profit from the mining of minerals -- and that Kigali has "de facto" control over the M23.
Eastern DRC has deposits of coltan, the metallic ore that is vital in making phones and laptops, as well as gold and other minerals.
Rwanda has never explicitly admitted to military involvement in support of the M23 group and alleges that the DRC supports and shelters the FDLR, an armed group created by ethnic Hutus who massacred Tutsis during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
In Kinshasa, calls have been growing for protests to urge the world to act. However, the authorities have banned demonstrations after embassies were attacked during previous rallies.
Access to social media has been restricted in Kinshasa since Sunday.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Last week, the M23 and Rwandan troops seized Goma the provincial capital of the mineral-rich North Kivu region that has been blighted by conflict from multiple armed groups for over three decades.

Rwandan-backed armed group M23 announced a humanitarian "ceasefire" from Tuesday in DR Congo's perennially explosive east, days before a planned crisis meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan leaders. Last week, the M23 and Rwandan troops seized Goma -- the provincial capital of the mineral-rich North Kivu region that has been blighted by conflict from multiple armed groups for over three decades. Also read: 'Painful day for country': Swedish PM says after five injured in school shooting Fighting has stopped in the city, which is home to more than a million people, but clashes have spread to the neighbouring province of South Kivu, raising fears of an M23 advance to its capital Bukavu. A political-military coalition of groups called the Alliance Fleuve Congo (River Congo Alliance), of which M23 is a member, said in a statement late Monday that it would implement "a ceasefire" from the next day "for humanitarian reasons". It added that it had "no intention of taking control of Bukavu or other localities", despite the M23 having said last week that it wanted to "continue the march" to the Congolese capital Kinshasa. In more than three years of fighting, half a dozen ceasefires and truces have been declared, before being systematically broken. The Kenyan presidency announced on Monday that Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame would attend a joint extraordinary summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam on Saturday. And as fears of a regional conflagration spiralled, the 16 member countries of the southern African regional organisation had called on Friday for "a joint summit" with the eight countries of the East African Community, of which Rwanda is a member. Also read: Trump's Health Secretary pick RFK Jr. clears key Senate committee vote; Democrats call him ‘unqualified’ A local source in Bukavu told AFP the city "remains calm for the moment", but information suggests the M23 was "reorganising itself with troop reinforcements and weapons to go to the front now that fighting has ceased in Goma". 'Lifeline' The University of Goma called for students to return to class on Monday, signalling a desire to return to normal in the city. The escalation in violence has seen at least 900 people killed in the Goma clashes and 2,880 wounded, according to the UN's humanitarian body. The situation in the east of the country has international observers warning of a looming humanitarian crisis. On Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council said it would hold a special session on Friday to focus on "the human rights situation in eastern DRC" following a request by Kinshasa. Goma city was "facing a humanitarian emergency", the UN's OCHA said on Tuesday, urging authorities to reopen the airport. "Goma airport is a lifeline. Without it, the evacuation of the seriously injured, the delivery of medical supplies and the reception of humanitarian reinforcements are paralysed", it said in a statement. South-Africa Rwanda spat In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to keep providing support to the DRC in the face of nationwide calls to withdraw his country's troops following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers. Most of those killed were part of an armed force sent to the eastern DRC in 2023 by the SADC bloc. Kagame has said South African troops have no place in eastern DRC and are a "belligerent force engaging in offensive combat operations to help the DRC government fight against its own people". A UN expert report said last year that Rwanda had up to 4,000 troops in the DRC, seeking to profit from the mining of minerals -- and that Kigali has "de facto" control over the M23. Eastern DRC has deposits of coltan, the metallic ore that is vital in making phones and laptops, as well as gold and other minerals. Rwanda has never explicitly admitted to military involvement in support of the M23 group and alleges that the DRC supports and shelters the FDLR, an armed group created by ethnic Hutus who massacred Tutsis during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In Kinshasa, calls have been growing for protests to urge the world to act. However, the authorities have banned demonstrations after embassies were attacked during previous rallies. Access to social media has been restricted in Kinshasa since Sunday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rwandan-backed M23 declares ceasefire in DRC ‘for humanitarian reasons’

A mysterious illness referred to as disease X is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since October, disease X has affected an estimated 406 individuals and claimed over 143 lives, most of them children.

Congo's Mystery Flu-like Disease Kills Over 143 People

The prospect of changing the constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is raising concerns of a potential “constitutional coup”. Congolese political & civil society leaders announced an alliance to rally against constitutional changes which are meant to ensure President Felix Tshisekedi keeps power indefinitely.

DRC: Plans to Change the Constitution Causes Friction

Amid fears over a potential mpox global outbreak, India held a high-level meeting on Sunday&nbsp;(Aug&nbsp;18) to assess its preparedness.&nbsp;

The latest assessment presented at the crucial meeting led by the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, P K Mishra, shows that since March 2024, the nation has had no reports of cases of mpox. Furthermore, it was noted that "the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low".

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:645,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1896}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-who-pushes-for-mpox-vaccine-production-surge-as-death-toll-in-drc-nears-550-751115">Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:199,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1949}">Global mpox scare</h2>

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As per reports, the virus has already spread to 12 African nations. Moreover, cases have been reported from Pakistan and Sweden. Despite this global alert, at the moment, India remains unaffected by a large-scale outbreak.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2080}">PM Modi's ongoing oversight</h2>

As per a press release about the high-level meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has been continuously monitoring the mpox situation."

It was noted that mpox is generally a self-limiting illness, with symptoms typically lasting two to four weeks. Most patients recover with proper care. The disease mainly spreads through close, prolonged contact with an infected person.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:484,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-virus-cases-logged-in-africa-this-year-exceed-last-years-total-751083">Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total</a>

To prepare, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 12 held an expert meeting, where it evaluated the risk for India and outlined the necessary precautions.&nbsp;

"A Communicable Disease (CD) alert on mpox issued earlier by the NCDC is being updated to capture the newer developments," states the press release.

Furthermore, health teams at international airports (Ports of Entry) have been "sensitised".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2373}">Global mpox data</h2>

Worldwide, the WHO has reported 99,176 mpox cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries since 2022. However, as per latest data, the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen a sharp rise in cases, with over 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths this year alone, exceeding last year's figures.

In India, there have been 30 mpox cases since the WHO's Public Health Emergency of International Concern declaration in 2022, with the latest case detected in March 2024.&nbsp;

Amid fears over a potential mpox global outbreak, India held a high-level meeting on Sunday (Aug 18) to assess its preparedness. The latest assessment presented at the crucial meeting led by the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, P K Mishra, shows that since March 2024, the nation has had no reports of cases of mpox.

Amid fears over a potential mpox global outbreak, India held a high-level meeting on Sunday (Aug 18) to assess its preparedness. The latest assessment presented at the crucial meeting led by the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, P K Mishra, shows that since March 2024, the nation has had no reports of cases of mpox. Furthermore, it was noted that "the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low". Also read | Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550 Global mpox scare The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As per reports, the virus has already spread to 12 African nations. Moreover, cases have been reported from Pakistan and Sweden. Despite this global alert, at the moment, India remains unaffected by a large-scale outbreak. PM Modi's ongoing oversight As per a press release about the high-level meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has been continuously monitoring the mpox situation." It was noted that mpox is generally a self-limiting illness, with symptoms typically lasting two to four weeks. Most patients recover with proper care. The disease mainly spreads through close, prolonged contact with an infected person. Also read | Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total To prepare, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 12 held an expert meeting, where it evaluated the risk for India and outlined the necessary precautions. "A Communicable Disease (CD) alert on mpox issued earlier by the NCDC is being updated to capture the newer developments," states the press release. Furthermore, health teams at international airports (Ports of Entry) have been "sensitised". Global mpox data Worldwide, the WHO has reported 99,176 mpox cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries since 2022. However, as per latest data, the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen a sharp rise in cases, with over 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths this year alone, exceeding last year's figures. In India, there have been 30 mpox cases since the WHO's Public Health Emergency of International Concern declaration in 2022, with the latest case detected in March 2024.

India's mpox update: India safe, no new cases since March; high-level meeting finds ‘low outbreak risk’

The Union Health Ministry has asked all airports as well as authorities at land ports on borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert about incoming international passengers reporting Mpox symptoms, official sources said on Sunday.

The ministry has identified three Central government-run hospitals -- Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung and Lady Hardinge -- in the national capital as nodal centres for isolation, management, and treatment of any patient with Mpox.

All state governments have been asked to identify such designated hospitals under their jurisdiction, the sources said.

P K Mishra, the principal secretary to the prime minister, chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the country's preparedness for Mpox amid enhanced surveillance for prompt detection. 
 
Officials said there is no reported case of Mpox in the country as of now. As per the current assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:641,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2028}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mpox-update-india-stays-safe-no-new-cases-since-march-high-level-meeting-finds-low-outbreak-risk-751191">India's mpox update: India safe, no new cases since March; high-level meeting finds ‘low outbreak risk’</a>

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in view of its prevalence and spread across many parts of Africa. 
 
"The virus strain this time is different and is more virulent and infectious. But the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low in the country as per the current assessment," an official source said.

The health ministry has directed officials to enhance surveillance and take effective measures for prompt detection of Mpox cases. It has stressed that the network of testing laboratories should be geared up for early diagnosis of the disease.

At present, 32 laboratories in the country are equipped for testing Mpox.

Mishra&nbsp;said protocols for prevention and treatment of the disease should be disseminated on a large scale, stressing the importance of running an awareness campaign among healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system.

An earlier statement from the WHO stated that 99,176 cases and 208 deaths had been reported due to Mpox from 116 countries globally since 2022.

Mpox cases have been steadily increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Last year, the number of reported cases around the world increased significantly. This year, the number of cases reported so far has already exceeded last year's total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.

Since 2022, around thirty Mpox cases have been reported in India. The last case of Mpox was detected in March 2024.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

The Union Health Ministry has asked all airports as well as authorities at land ports on borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert about incoming international passengers reporting Mpox symptoms, official sources said on Sunday.

The Union Health Ministry has asked all airports as well as authorities at land ports on borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to remain alert about incoming international passengers reporting Mpox symptoms, official sources said on Sunday. The ministry has identified three Central government-run hospitals -- Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung and Lady Hardinge -- in the national capital as nodal centres for isolation, management, and treatment of any patient with Mpox. All state governments have been asked to identify such designated hospitals under their jurisdiction, the sources said. P K Mishra, the principal secretary to the prime minister, chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the country's preparedness for Mpox amid enhanced surveillance for prompt detection. Officials said there is no reported case of Mpox in the country as of now. As per the current assessment, the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low, they said. Also read | India's mpox update: India safe, no new cases since March; high-level meeting finds ‘low outbreak risk’ The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in view of its prevalence and spread across many parts of Africa. "The virus strain this time is different and is more virulent and infectious. But the risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission is low in the country as per the current assessment," an official source said. The health ministry has directed officials to enhance surveillance and take effective measures for prompt detection of Mpox cases. It has stressed that the network of testing laboratories should be geared up for early diagnosis of the disease. At present, 32 laboratories in the country are equipped for testing Mpox. Mishra said protocols for prevention and treatment of the disease should be disseminated on a large scale, stressing the importance of running an awareness campaign among healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system. An earlier statement from the WHO stated that 99,176 cases and 208 deaths had been reported due to Mpox from 116 countries globally since 2022. Mpox cases have been steadily increasing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last year, the number of reported cases around the world increased significantly. This year, the number of cases reported so far has already exceeded last year's total, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths. Since 2022, around thirty Mpox cases have been reported in India. The last case of Mpox was detected in March 2024. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mpox scare: Indian govt tells international airports to be vigilant about passengers with symptoms

An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports.&nbsp;

The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:116,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1866}">Mpox deaths in DRC</h2>

According to a China Central Television report citing Health Minister Roger Kamba, since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths.

The country has been grappling with the ongoing outbreak since late 2022, but the emergence of a more lethal variant, Clade 1b — which has a mortality rate of 3.6 per cent — has exacerbated the situation.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:484,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-virus-cases-logged-in-africa-this-year-exceed-last-years-total-751083">Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:311,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2061}">Challenges in DRC displacement camps</h2>

In DRC, as per AFP, the situation is particularly dire in makeshift camps. These camps, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, house at least 7.3 million internally displaced people, and are hence overcrowded. These conditions heighten the risk of transmission.&nbsp;

Contagious people continue to stay in close quarters, despite the risks, as health workers struggle to enforce prevention measures.

"My son was hospitalised here for mpox, and my daughter was looking after him. After they got out on a Sunday, my daughter began showing the same symptoms by Wednesday," said Deogracias Mahombi Sekabanza, a health worker from Goma.

Furaha Makambo, a mother of three, shared her fears from a nearby tent where her children sleep together, making it impossible to prevent cross-infection. "We are scared, this disease needs to be eradicated so that it stops reaching the displaced because it can exterminate us," she said while speaking to AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-updates-pakistan-adopts-safety-measures-who-says-no-need-to-close-borders-750836">Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2373}">Global health emergency and vaccine urgency</h2>

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (August 14) declared the mpox surge a public health emergency of international concern — its highest alert level as the virus spreads beyond the DRC. Already, 12 African countries and nations outside Africa, like Pakistan and&nbsp;Sweden, have reported&nbsp;cases.&nbsp;

The WHO on Friday (August 16) urged vaccine manufacturers to increase production of mpox vaccines.

"We do need the manufacturers to really scale up so that we've got access to many, many more vaccines," said WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris, while talking to reporters.

The international health agency has also called on countries to donate stockpiles to those affected by the outbreak.&nbsp;

The charity, Doctors Without Borders, also said that countries with vaccine stockpiles but no outbreaks "must donate as many doses as possible" to affected countries in Africa.

(With inputs from agencies)

An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports. The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine.

An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports. The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine. Mpox deaths in DRC According to a China Central Television report citing Health Minister Roger Kamba, since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths. The country has been grappling with the ongoing outbreak since late 2022, but the emergence of a more lethal variant, Clade 1b — which has a mortality rate of 3.6 per cent — has exacerbated the situation. Also read | Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total Challenges in DRC displacement camps In DRC, as per AFP, the situation is particularly dire in makeshift camps. These camps, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, house at least 7.3 million internally displaced people, and are hence overcrowded. These conditions heighten the risk of transmission. Contagious people continue to stay in close quarters, despite the risks, as health workers struggle to enforce prevention measures. "My son was hospitalised here for mpox, and my daughter was looking after him. After they got out on a Sunday, my daughter began showing the same symptoms by Wednesday," said Deogracias Mahombi Sekabanza, a health worker from Goma. Furaha Makambo, a mother of three, shared her fears from a nearby tent where her children sleep together, making it impossible to prevent cross-infection. "We are scared, this disease needs to be eradicated so that it stops reaching the displaced because it can exterminate us," she said while speaking to AFP. Also read | Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders Global health emergency and vaccine urgency The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (August 14) declared the mpox surge a public health emergency of international concern — its highest alert level as the virus spreads beyond the DRC. Already, 12 African countries and nations outside Africa, like Pakistan and Sweden, have reported cases. The WHO on Friday (August 16) urged vaccine manufacturers to increase production of mpox vaccines. "We do need the manufacturers to really scale up so that we've got access to many, many more vaccines," said WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris, while talking to reporters. The international health agency has also called on countries to donate stockpiles to those affected by the outbreak. The charity, Doctors Without Borders, also said that countries with vaccine stockpiles but no outbreaks "must donate as many doses as possible" to affected countries in Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550

An armed attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo has left several of the Chinese nationals dead and missing. The Chinese government has issued statement raising concerns for the armed attack on a mining site.

China says several nationals killed & missing in DR Congo, demands to hunt down killers | WION

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire, is Africa's second largest country. The central African nation, rich in valuable mineral resources, has been plagued by myriad armed groups in its east, fighting for control. Pre-eminent among these is M23, a largely Tutsi rebel group linked with the neighboring Rwanda, though Kigali denies the charge.

Thousands flee due to violence in Eastern DR Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo's president has taken oath for his second term as President in spite of Opposition parties refusing to accept the election mandate.

Second term for Congo President Felix Tshisekedi | Race To Power

The Congo River has risen to its highest level in more than 60 years, causing flooding throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Congo Republic that has killed more than 300 people over the past months.

At least 300 dead as Congo River basin submerged by generational floods

Drc, News on Drc, stories on Drc, articles on Drc, Drc stories at Wion, Drc news, Drc latest news