The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed at least 450 lives during a recent surge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
What is Mpox?
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, related to the smallpox virus but generally less severe. Initially transmitted from animals to humans, it now also spreads between people. The disease is predominantly found in remote areas of Africa, such as DR Congo, where it annually causes thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths, primarily affecting children under 15.
Types of Mpox
There are two primary strains of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2. The current outbreak involves Clade 1, known for its higher mortality rate, with up to 10% of cases leading to death. A new variant, Clade 1b, emerged last September and has been described as “the most dangerous yet” due to its rapid spread and severe impact.
Recent Outbreak
Between January and July 2024, there were over 14,500 reported mpox infections and more than 450 deaths, marking significant increases in both cases and fatalities compared to the previous year. While 96% of these cases are in DR Congo, the disease has also spread to neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Symptoms and Transmission
Mpox begins with symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. As the fever subsides, a rash appears, starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles. The rash progresses through several stages before forming scabs, which can leave scars. The infection typically lasts 14 to 21 days and may cause severe complications in serious cases.
Transmission occurs through close contact with infected individuals, including sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and breathing in respiratory droplets. It can also spread through contaminated objects and infected animals. During the 2022 global outbreak, sexual contact was the primary route of transmission.
Prevention and Treatment
Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent mpox, but access is limited. The WHO is urging drug manufacturers to expedite the availability of mpox vaccines for emergency use. Preventive measures include avoiding close contact with infected individuals, practicing good hand hygiene, and isolating those with symptoms until lesions have healed. The use of condoms is recommended for 12 weeks post-recovery to reduce transmission risk.
The Africa CDC’s declaration of a continent-wide emergency aims to enhance the coordination of responses and increase medical aid to affected areas.