Abstract
.In 2017, a monkeypox outbreak occurred in Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo. Many of the affected individuals were of Aka ethnicity, hunter-gatherers indigenous to Central Africa who have worse health outcomes in comparison with other forest-dwelling peoples. To test the hypothesis that Aka people have different risk factors for monkeypox, we analyzed questionnaire data for 39 suspected cases, comparing Aka and Bantu groups. Aka people were more likely to touch animal urine/feces, find dead animals in/around the home, eat an animal that was found dead, or to have been scratched or bitten by an animal (P < 0.05, all variables). They were also more likely to visit the forest ≥ once/week, sleep outside, or sleep on the ground (P < 0.001, all variables), providing opportunities for contact with monkeypox reservoirs during the night. The Aka and possibly other vulnerable groups may warrant special attention during educational and health promotion programs.
Highlights
In January 2017, in Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo (ROC), a large monkeypox outbreak occurred in four districts, including Impfondo, Betou, Enyelle, and Dongo.[9]
The Aka people belong to the larger Bayaka ethnicity, a group of indigenous hunter-gatherers who perhaps best exemplify a vulnerable population within the Central African region
E-mail: sguagliardo@cdc.gov In January 2017, in Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo (ROC), a large monkeypox outbreak occurred in four districts, including Impfondo, Betou, Enyelle, and Dongo.[9]
Summary
In January 2017, in Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo (ROC), a large monkeypox outbreak occurred in four districts, including Impfondo, Betou, Enyelle, and Dongo.[9]. E-mail: sguagliardo@cdc.gov In January 2017, in Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo (ROC), a large monkeypox outbreak occurred in four districts, including Impfondo, Betou, Enyelle, and Dongo.[9] Here, we report the results of an exposure questionnaire conducted among suspected cases to test the hypothesis that the Aka people (a Bayaka group) are at greater risk of sylvatic animal exposures and elevated risk of monkeypox and other zoonoses.
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