The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency, following a significant rise in infections and deaths, particularly among children. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the decision after the Emergency Committee’s recommendation last month.
Alarming Spread of Mpox
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become increasingly concerning, with a new strain of mpox detected in eastern regions. This strain has rapidly spread to neighboring countries that had not previously reported mpox cases, raising fears of a wider outbreak across Africa and beyond.
“The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, along with its emergence in other countries, is very worrying,” said Tedros. He emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to halt the spread and save lives.
Surge in Infections and Deaths
According to reports from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), mpox cases have surged by 160% compared to the same period last year. The death toll has also risen by 19%, with over 14,000 infections and at least 524 deaths recorded in 13 countries.
Children have been particularly affected by this outbreak, with 70% of cases in the DRC involving children under 15. Alarmingly, 85% of the deaths have occurred among this age group. The death rate in Congo has escalated to 3-4%, significantly higher than the 1% recorded during the 2022 outbreak.
Jacques Alonda, an epidemiologist working in Congo, highlighted the dire situation in refugee camps located in conflict zones. “The worst case I’ve seen is that of a six-week-old baby who contracted mpox just two weeks after birth. Overcrowded hospitals forced the baby and his mother to share a room with an undiagnosed mpox patient,” Alonda said.
Challenges and WHO’s Response
Congo has requested around 4 million vaccines to combat the outbreak, but vaccine shortages remain a critical issue. WHO is actively working with affected countries and partners, including the Africa CDC and NGOs, to provide vaccines and other medical supplies.
Tedros assured that “WHO is on the ground, working through our country and regional offices to support affected nations. We’re helping them access vaccines and develop strategies for distribution.”
New Symptoms and Challenges
This new strain of mpox presents unique challenges. Unlike previous outbreaks where lesions were typically found on the chest, hands, and feet, this strain causes lesions on the genitals, making it harder to detect. The symptoms are generally milder, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, belongs to the same virus family as smallpox. Symptoms usually appear 6-13 days after infection and include fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. A rash typically develops within one to three days of fever onset.
As the situation worsens, global health authorities are urging immediate action to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable populations, especially children in affected regions.