The recent outbreaks of mpox in Africa have escalated to become a global emergency, as confirmed cases among children and adults have been reported in over a dozen countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this alarming situation on Wednesday, highlighting the urgency of the situation. This announcement followed the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s declaration earlier in the week that labeled the mpox outbreaks as a public health emergency, with over 500 deaths recorded, necessitating international assistance to contain the virus‘ spread.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the potential for further spread of mpox within Africa and beyond. While a global emergency designation from WHO is the highest level of alert, it does not inherently imply that a disease is extremely transmissible or deadly. Nevertheless, with a new strain of the virus circulating and limited vaccine supplies within the continent, the Africa CDC warned of the risks of mpox crossing international borders.
Salim Abdool Karim, a leading infectious diseases expert from South Africa who chairs the Africa CDC emergency group, emphasized the heightened risk posed by the new variant of mpox originating from Congo, with an estimated death rate of approximately 3-4%. As of now, mpox has been detected in 13 countries this year, with the majority of cases and fatalities concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Africa CDC disclosed that cases have surged by 160%, and deaths have increased by 19% compared to the same period last year, totaling over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths.
Notably, nearly 70% of mpox cases in Congo are affecting children below the age of 15, who also constitute 85% of the fatalities, according to Africa CDC officials. The spread of the virus has gained traction beyond Africa, with Sweden confirming its first case of the more infectious variant shortly after the WHO’s declaration. Despite this, Swedish health authorities assert that the risk to the general population remains ‚very low.‘
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, belongs to the same viral family as variola virus (smallpox) and vaccinia virus (used in smallpox vaccines). First discovered in monkeys in 1958 and later identified in humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, mpox has since made sporadic appearances in various countries. In 2022, WHO declared mpox a global emergency after it spread to over 70 countries, mainly impacting gay and bisexual men albeit with low mortality rates. The ongoing outbreak, however, encompasses a distinct strain that is more lethal and transmittable, with children constituting a significant portion of the affected demographics, unlike earlier instances.
The emergence of a new form of mpox with potentially higher mortality rates has raised concerns among health experts worldwide. The virus primarily spreads through close contact, including sexual transmission, making early detection crucial. Unlike previous outbreaks characterized by lesions on certain body parts, the new variant presents with milder symptoms and genital lesions, posing challenges in identification and containment efforts. Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical expert, highlights the importance of vigilance in recognizing symptoms, conducting surveillance, and administering early interventions to mitigate the disease’s spread.
During the 2022 outbreak, Western countries successfully curbed mpox transmission through vaccination and treatment strategies. However, these resources remain scarce in Africa, necessitating alternative approaches. Suggestions from experts include considering inoculating high-risk populations against smallpox due to the absence of licensed mpox vaccines in affected regions. Surveillance, testing, and early intervention measures are crucial in controlling the spread of the virus. Collaborative efforts between countries and international organizations are imperative to contain the mpox outbreaks and prevent further escalation.
