The World Health Organization WHO declares mpox outbreak across central and east Africa a public health emergency of international concern. This highly contagious disease, formerly known as monkeypox, has already claimed at least 450 lives during the initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The rapid spread of a new variant has scientists deeply concerned, especially given its high fatality rate.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying.” He stressed the need for a coordinated international response to curb the outbreak and save lives.
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The Rising Threat of Mpox
Mpox is transmitted through close contact, including sexual activity, skin-to-skin contact, and even talking or breathing close to an infected person. Symptoms include flu-like conditions, skin lesions, and, in severe cases, death. The current outbreak has a fatality rate of 4%, meaning that four out of every 100 cases result in death.
Vaccines can help prevent infections, but they are typically reserved for those at high risk or individuals who have been in close contact with an infected person.
A Deadly New Variant
There are two main types of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2. The 2022 mpox public health emergency was caused by the milder Clade 2, which spread to nearly 100 countries and resulted in over 87,000 cases and 140 deaths globally. However, the current outbreak is driven by Clade 1, a far deadlier variant. This strain has previously killed up to 10% of those infected in past outbreaks.
In September 2023, mutations led to the emergence of Clade 1b, a new offshoot that is spreading rapidly across Africa. Scientists have labeled this variant “the most dangerous yet.”
The Mpox Numbers So Far
Since the start of 2024, there have been over 13,700 reported cases of mpox in the DRC alone, with more than 450 deaths. The disease has also been detected in other African countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Global Call to Action
Health experts are hopeful that the WHO’s declaration will spur increased research, funding, and international public health measures. Dr. Josie Golding of the Wellcome Trust described the declaration as a “strong signal,” while Dr. Boghuma Titanji from Emory University underscored the gravity of the crisis. Professor Trudie Lang, director of the Global Health Network at the University of Oxford, called the declaration “important and timely,” but noted that the emergence of Clade 1b presents many unknown challenges that need immediate attention.
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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also declared a public health emergency, with the organization’s head, Jean Kaseya, warning that the outbreak could spiral out of control if immediate action is not taken.
As the world grapples with this growing crisis, the need for a proactive, aggressive response has never been more critical. With international cooperation, it is hoped that the spread of mpox can be contained and that lives can be saved.
