Mpox in Africa: WHO approves first mpox test for quick diagnosis

Lack of testing and delays in getting the results have made curbing the virus's spread harder.

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The new PCR test enables the detection of the mpox DNA taken from skin lesion swabs.

Currently, samples have to be sent to a laboratory for testing and the patient and medics have to wait days for the result.

Limited testing capacity and delays in confirming cases continue to be a challenge in Africa - worsening the spread of mpox that was previously known as monkeypox.

Of the more than 30,000 suspected cases reported in Africa this year, barely 40% had been confirmed through a test, the WHO said.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2436p21j90o

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