The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a global health emergency. This marks the second time in just two years that the viral infection, which spreads through close contact, has reached such a critical level. Here’s what you need to know about this escalating health crisis and what it means for the world.
Key Points
Understanding a Global Health Emergency
When WHO declares a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC), it signifies the highest level of alert for global health. This alert is triggered when a disease begins spreading in new or unusual ways and threatens to become a global health risk. The goal of such a declaration is to prompt international cooperation and funding, enabling countries to take swift action to prevent a full-blown pandemic.
WHO’s recent declaration comes on the heels of a similar alert issued by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), indicating the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the outbreak.
Why is Mpox an Emergency Again?
The resurgence of mpox as a global health emergency highlights the complexity of controlling viral outbreaks. Two years ago, WHO first declared mpox an emergency when the disease began spreading rapidly across multiple countries, particularly among men who have sex with men. Public health campaigns promoting safe sex practices, along with vaccines, successfully helped curb the outbreak in many areas.
However, mpox has been a persistent problem in parts of Africa for decades. The first recorded human case was in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1970, and since then, the region has experienced recurring outbreaks. Unfortunately, these outbreaks have not garnered as much global attention—until now.
The current situation in Congo is dire. The country is grappling with its worst mpox outbreak ever, with over 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths reported since January 2023. The disease has disproportionately affected children, and the risk is especially high for pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems, including those living with HIV.
Two strains of the mpox virus are now circulating in Congo: the endemic strain and a newer offshoot that has raised significant alarm. This new strain is spreading faster, and scientists are still working to understand its unique characteristics. What is known is that the virus is transmitting not only through sexual contact but also through close contact, such as among children living in displacement camps. The virus has now spread beyond Congo’s borders, reaching Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Kenya, igniting concerns of a wider regional outbreak.
How Mpox Spreads and Its Symptoms
Mpox primarily spreads through close contact, whether it be sexual activity or other forms of direct contact, such as skin-to-skin contact or through contaminated materials like bedding. The virus causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by the development of pus-filled skin lesions. While many cases of mpox are mild and self-limiting, the disease can be deadly, particularly for children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
The reemergence of mpox as a public health emergency underlines the fact that the disease is not confined to certain populations or regions. As the virus evolves and spreads in new ways, it poses a significant threat to public health, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare and resources.
What’s Next: Global Response to Mpox
In response to the growing threat, scientists and public health officials are ramping up efforts to study the new strain of the mpox virus and improve surveillance in affected areas. WHO and Africa CDC are both pushing for increased international support to tackle the outbreak and secure medical supplies, including vaccines and treatments, for Congo and neighboring countries.
One of the key challenges facing the global response is the lack of equitable access to vaccines. In 2022, WHO made an appeal for $34 million to combat mpox, but that call went largely unanswered by the international community. As a result, many African countries were left without access to the two vaccines—manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and KM Biologics—that were used to combat the global mpox outbreak in other parts of the world.
Two years later, the situation remains largely unchanged. Although WHO is working to facilitate donations of vaccine doses from countries with stockpiles, supplies remain extremely limited. African nations continue to face barriers in accessing these vital medical tools, despite their crucial need. The Africa CDC has announced plans to secure doses, but specifics remain unclear, leaving many vulnerable populations without the protection they desperately need.
How Concerned Should We Be?
While mpox is undoubtedly a serious health threat, it is important to understand that it is not another COVID-19. The virus does not spread as easily through the air as COVID-19, and public health measures such as vaccines, safe sex practices, and better hygiene are proven to help stop the spread.
The emergency declarations from WHO and Africa CDC serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for international support to contain the outbreak in Congo and its neighboring countries. The challenge now is ensuring that medical supplies, vaccines, and treatments reach the people who need them most, especially in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
For people outside of the affected areas, the risk of mpox remains relatively low. However, the situation requires continued vigilance, especially as scientists work to understand the new strain and its potential to spread to other regions. Public health officials are urging those at higher risk—particularly those engaging in close or sexual contact with others—to remain cautious and seek medical advice if they suspect they have been exposed to the virus.
In Conclusion, As the world faces yet another global health emergency, it is clear that the fight against mpox is far from over. The outbreak in Congo is a stark reminder that diseases can quickly evolve and spread, particularly in vulnerable regions with inadequate access to healthcare resources. It is crucial that the international community steps up to provide the necessary funding, vaccines, and treatments to help those most affected by this ongoing crisis.
The global response to mpox will not only determine the outcome of this outbreak but will also shape future efforts to prevent and manage emerging infectious diseases. With swift action and collaboration, there is hope that the spread of mpox can be halted, saving lives and preventing further suffering in the regions hit hardest by this devastating virus.
Source: Reuters
