Deadly Mpox Strain Spreads to 4 African Nations: WHO Alert

The Emergence of a More Lethal Mpox Strain in Africa: A Growing Global Concern

The recent confirmation of a more lethal strain of mpox in four African countries has sparked significant concern among global health officials. With over 14,000 reported cases and 511 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone, the virus has now spread to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—nations that had previously not reported any cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies are intensifying their efforts to manage and contain this alarming outbreak.

The Escalating Situation in Africa

Rising Cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo has become the epicenter of the current mpox outbreak, with reported cases surpassing 22,000 since January 2023. This figure is particularly concerning as it matches the total number of cases reported throughout 2022. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

• More than 14,000 reported cases in the DRC
• 511 deaths recorded
• Spread to neighboring countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda

Health Advisory and Global Response

In response to the escalating outbreak, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory. The advisory encourages physicians to maintain a heightened vigilance for mpox symptoms, especially in individuals who have recently traveled from the DRC or its bordering countries. The WHO also announced plans to convene an emergency committee to assess whether the situation qualifies as a public health emergency of international concern.

Understanding Mpox: Transmission and Symptoms

How Mpox Spreads

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can easily spread between humans and from infected animals. According to WHO, the virus can be transmitted through:

• Close contact such as touching, kissing, or sexual intercourse
• Contaminated materials like sheets, clothing, and needles

Symptoms of Mpox

Individuals infected with mpox typically exhibit the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Painful rash
• Headache
• Muscle and back pain
• Low energy
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Genetic Clades of Mpox

Clade I and Clade II

Mpox is characterized by two genetic clades, I and II. Each clade represents a distinct group of viruses that have evolved over time. Clade Ib, which has been circulating in the DRC for years, is responsible for the current outbreak and is known for causing more severe disease. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it is more transmissible. Clade II, on the other hand, was responsible for the global outbreak that began in 2022.

• Clade Ib: Circulating in the DRC, causes more severe disease
• Clade II: Responsible for the 2022 global outbreak

Regional and International Risk Assessment

Risk Levels and Travel Recommendations

Dr. Rosamund Lewis, WHO’s technical lead for the global mpox response, stated that the risk of further spread is moderate for the general population and high within the DRC. WHO currently assesses risk on a scale of low, moderate, high, or very high and has not recommended any travel restrictions for affected countries at this time.

• Moderate risk for the general population in the region
• High risk within the DRC
• No current travel restrictions

Preventive Measures and Vaccination

The CDC classifies the risk of clade I mpox being brought into the US as “very low” but continues to recommend mpox vaccination for individuals exposed to or at high risk of contracting the virus. WHO has also initiated the Emergency Use Listing process for approved mpox vaccines to expedite access for lower-income countries. Nigeria and the DRC have already approved mpox vaccines for emergency use.

International Collaboration and Funding Needs

Financial Support and Response Plans

Dr. Tedros emphasized that stopping the transmission of mpox will require a comprehensive international response. WHO has developed a regional response plan requiring $15 million and has allocated $1 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support the response efforts. The organization is calling for international support and cooperation to control the outbreak effectively.

• $15 million required for WHO’s regional response plan
• $1 million allocated from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies

The Need for Better Understanding and Containment

Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Program, stressed the importance of understanding the virus better to contain it effectively. He pointed out that even during the large-scale outbreak, no funding was made available for international control, necessitating the use of contingency funds once again.

FAQs

What is mpox?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread between people and from infected animals. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, a painful rash, headache, muscle pain, and enlarged lymph nodes.

How is mpox transmitted?

Mpox can be transmitted through close contact, such as touching, kissing, or sexual intercourse, as well as through contaminated materials like sheets, clothing, and needles.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Symptoms of mpox include fever, a painful rash, headache, muscle and back pain, low energy, and enlarged lymph nodes.

What are the genetic clades of mpox?

Mpox is divided into two genetic clades: Clade I and Clade II. Clade Ib, circulating in the DRC, causes more severe disease, while Clade II was responsible for the 2022 global outbreak.

What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?

WHO and CDC have issued advisories and are planning emergency meetings. Vaccination is recommended for high-risk individuals, and international cooperation is being sought to control the outbreak.

Conclusion

The emergence of a deadlier strain of mpox in Africa has raised alarms globally, prompting immediate action from health organizations. With the virus spreading rapidly in the DRC and neighboring countries, a coordinated international response is crucial. Understanding the virus’s transmission, symptoms, and genetic makeup will be key to containing the outbreak and preventing further spread. The efforts of WHO, CDC, and other health agencies will be vital in managing this public health crisis and ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to support affected regions.