An mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 548 people since the start of the year, with all provinces affected by the virus, the health minister said on Thursday in a statement.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the mpox surge in Africa a global public health emergency, worried by the rise in cases in DRC and the spread to nearby countries.
"According to the latest epidemiological report, our country has recorded 15,664 potential cases and 548 deaths since the beginning of the year," Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said in a separate video message seen by AFP on Thursday.
The DRC is made up of 26 provinces and has a population of around 100 million.
The most affected provinces are South Kivu, North Kivu, Tshopo, Equateur, North Ubangi, Tshuapa, Mongala and Sankuru, Kamba said.
The UN health agency's decision came the day after the African Union's health watchdog declared its own public health emergency over the growing outbreak.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
"Reforms Focus Not For Editorials, But To Make Country Strong": PM's I-Day Speech
Explained In 5 Points: Monkeypox Virus Infection, Symptoms And Prevention WHO Declares Mpox Global Health Emergency For Second Time In 2 Years Mpox Vaccine Likely Months Away As Africa Health Body Declares Emergency Rahul Gandhi's Seat At Red Fort Triggers Fresh Congress Attack On BJP 2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing CBI Summons 5 Doctors For Questioning In Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Sweden Confirms 1st Case Of "More Grave" Type Of Monkey Pox Virus UP Man Rapes 13-Year-Old Daughter In Amethi: Cops Top Medical Body Suggests Not More Than 74 Hours Work Week For Medics Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.