Mpox cases surge in Cabinda, reaching 200 confirmed cases
Province records 91 more cases in under two weeks as authorities step up surveillance and prevention measures
The province of Cabinda has recorded a significant rise in confirmed cases of mpox, known as monkeypox. The number rose from 109 cases, recorded up to 4 August, to 200 cases currently, representing an increase of 91 cases in under two weeks.
The figures were released by the Minister of Health, SÃlvia Lutucuta, on Friday, 14 August, during a visit to Cabinda province.
According to the minister, the rise in cases poses a challenge for health authorities, particularly due to Cabinda's extensive border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where cases of the disease are also being recorded.
The minister also expressed concern over cases of local transmission. According to the authorities, a significant proportion of those infected have no recent travel history, with cases of transmission recorded through direct contact with infected individuals.
Given the rise in cases, SÃlvia Lutucuta assured that conditions are in place to treat patients at the province's reference centre.
The Health Minister also called for stronger border surveillance, including temperature checks, monitoring and follow-up of people entering national territory.
With the 200 confirmed cases in Cabinda, Angola now has a total of 289 mpox cases, according to figures released by the health authorities.
Authorities are urging the public to reinforce prevention measures, including frequent handwashing, reducing physical contact with people showing suspicious symptoms, and seeking medical care if symptoms consistent with the disease appear.