Mpox: A New Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the increasing spread of mpox in Africa a global health emergency, warning the virus might ultimately spill across international borders.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches. People with more serious cases can develop lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.

Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms.

Outbreaks in Africa

In 2023, there have been more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa, which already exceed last year’s figures.

So far, more than 96% of all cases and deaths are in a single country — Congo.

In Congo, a new version of the disease has emerged that might be more easily transmitted among people. Scientists are concerned about its spread.

The number of cases has jumped dramatically in Africa, with 13 countries now reporting mpox.

Spread and Detection

Like any infectious disease, mpox could cross borders. Cases have already been detected in four East African countries.

In Europe, Sweden has identified the first case of the new mpox variant in someone who had recently been in Africa.

The official said the risk to the general public was considered “very low” and expected sporadic imported cases to continue.

Response and Aid

WHO’s emergency declaration is meant to spur donor agencies and countries into action.

Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya said the agency’s declaration of a public health emergency was meant “to mobilize our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act swiftly and decisively.”

Despite the declaration, Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases expert at Emory University, said the last WHO emergency declaration for mpox “did very little to move the needle” on getting things like diagnostic tests, medicines, and vaccines to Africa.

Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of Congo’s Monkeypox Response Committee said the country has requested 4 million doses of vaccine but has not yet received any.

Impact on Children

In Africa, children under 15 now account for more than 70% of the mpox cases and 85% of deaths in Congo.

Experts are unsure why children are so disproportionately affected by mpox in Congo. It may be due to their susceptibility to the virus or social factors like overcrowding.

Conclusion

Mpox is a serious health concern, especially in Africa, where a new and possibly more transmissible variant has emerged.

The WHO’s emergency declaration highlights the need for global action to contain the disease, particularly in providing vaccines and treatments to affected areas.

Continued surveillance and research are crucial to understanding the virus’s evolution and preventing further spread.