BRAZZAVILLE — Republic of the Congo has declared an epidemic of mpox after 19 cases were confirmed across five departments, including the capital Brazzaville.

No deaths have yet been recorded, Health Minister Gilbert Mokoki said in a statement on Tuesday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the virus mpox to replace the older term monkeypox, citing concerns of stigma and racism associated with the name

He called on the public to take precautions including avoiding close contact with suspected cases, avoiding contact with animals and avoiding handling game meat with bare hands.

READ MORE: China to manage mpox as Class B infectious disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the virus mpox to replace the older term monkeypox, citing concerns of stigma and racism associated with the name.

Mpox was first detected in humans in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, according to the WHO.

Symptoms include fever, aches and skin lesions.

READ MORE: China issues plan for mpox disease prevention, control

In 2022, the WHO declared an outbreak that spread to Europe and North America a global health emergency.