Republic of Congo reports its first mpox virus cases, in several regions

The Republic of Congo has recorded its first cases of mpox in several regions. The health ministry's report Wednesday could indicate the disease is spreading among people in Africa since sexual transmission of the virus was first confirmed on the continent last year. The mpox virus originates in wild animals and occasionally jumps to people, who can spread it to others. The virus was previously known as monkeypox because it was first seen in research monkeys. The World Health Organization confirmed sexual transmission of mpox in neighboring Congo for the first time last year. African scientists warned this could make the disease difficult to contain.