Attachments
This Weekly Bulletin focuses on public health emergencies occurring in the WHO African region. This week’s articles cover:
Mpox in South Africa
Measles in Namibia
Dengue in Sao Tome and Principe
For each of these events, a brief description, followed by public health measures implemented and an interpretation of the situation, is provided.
A table is provided at the end of the bulletin with information on all new and ongoing public health events currently being monitored in the region, as well as recent events that have been controlled and closed.
Major issues include
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The recent resurgence of mpox in South Africa has been reported among cases without an associated international travel history. To that effect, investigations are underway to determine the likely source of infection and limit onward spread. While sporadic imported cases are expected among travellers from endemic areas or newly affected regions, the current situation suggests ongoing, undetected local transmission within South Africa.
With the widespread and ongoing undetected transmission of mpox in South Africa, there is an imminent risk of further international spread to neighbouring countries and other locations. Efforts are underway to determine the source of the infection and prevent wider dissemination. -
Sporadic cases of measles have been reported in Namibia since March 2024. Health education initiatives have been launched in schools and communities alongside plans for supplementary immunization activities in the affected districts. The response to the measles outbreak in Namibia has been hindered by insufficient funding for the vaccination campaign and inadequate transportation to support outreach services.