WHO reports rising Smallpox cases in Africa, new areas affected

In total, 32 confirmed deaths have occurred across Africa in 2023, with 25 in the Congo. The WHO noted that due to limited testing capacity, only 37% of suspected cases are tested, while 55% of those tested are confirmed. Burundi has seen a surge in suspected cases, with 1,879 reported since July. Notably, more extensive testing is being conducted in Burundi, where 93% of suspected cases are tested, resulting in about 40% confirmation, with a significant portion of cases affecting children under five.