"Yes, the number has risen. Two more cases have been reported, bringing the total to six," Niyingabira told IGIHE.

The first case was confirmed in July, with the initial four cases involving individuals who had recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

More than 22,000 suspect cases, with more than 1,200 suspected deaths, have been reported in DRC since January 1, 2023.

In response, Rwanda recently launched its first phase of a vaccination campaign, aiming to vaccinate 10,000 people. This initiative focuses on high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, cross-border traders, hospitality staff, and others likely to be exposed to the virus.

Sources indicate that the vaccination of 10,000 individuals is expected to be completed within one week.

Across Africa, 2,912 new Monkeypox cases have been reported within a week, including 374 new infections and 14 deaths. The spread of a new variant, referred to as clade 1b, has raised concerns, with cases detected in the DRC, Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda.

On September 13, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of the MVA-BN vaccine for Monkeypox. This vaccine had already been authorized in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Bavaria Nordic A/S, the vaccine is administered to individuals aged 18 and older in two doses. The second dose is given four weeks after the first. In Rwanda, the current vaccination campaign is administering a single dose of 0.5 ml.

Research indicates that the first dose of the vaccine provides 76% protection against Monkeypox, with the second dose increasing protection to 82%.

Symptoms and treatment of Monkeypox

Monkeypox symptoms usually appear three to 14 days after infection. The virus typically causes a rash that starts on the face, hands, and genital areas, but it can spread to other parts of the body. The rash consists of fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry up and form scabs as the individual recovers.

In addition to the rash, patients often experience fever, which may be mild or severe, and fatigue.

With appropriate treatment, most patients recover within two to three weeks after symptoms first appear.

Rwanda recently launched its first phase of a vaccination campaign, aiming to vaccinate 10,000 people.