In a significant move, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declared mpox a public health emergency. This decision follows a concerning outbreak that has spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries, affecting thousands. Jean Kaseya, the head of the Africa CDC, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the declaration serves as a “clarion call for action” in the face of this growing threat.
Jean Kakuru Biyambo, a 48-year-old father of six from the Muja internally displaced persons camp, has been receiving treatment for mpox at the Goma General Hospital in North Kivu province. He represents many affected individuals, facing the painful symptoms of this infectious disease. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, leads to severe rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Although many cases are mild, the disease can be fatal, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
As of August 4, 2024, the Africa CDC reported over 38,465 cases and 1,456 deaths related to mpox since January 2022. The outbreak has been particularly severe in the DRC, where the virus was first identified in humans in 1970. The current situation is alarming, with more than 15,000 cases and 461 deaths reported this year alone, marking a 160% increase compared to the same period last year.
The mpox outbreak began with the endemic strain, clade 1, but has recently evolved into the more transmissible clade 1b. This new variant spreads more easily through close contact, raising concerns among health officials. The Africa CDC has warned that the rate of transmission is rapidly escalating, necessitating immediate action to contain the virus and protect communities.
In 2022, a milder version of the virus spread to over 100 countries, primarily through sexual contact. This prompted the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern. While the WHO lifted this emergency ten months later, the recent resurgence of mpox highlights the ongoing risks associated with the virus.
The WHO is currently convening an emergency committee to discuss the implications of the new clade and whether to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Such emergencies have been declared in response to previous health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier mpox outbreaks, to alert health authorities to rising case numbers.
As the situation continues to evolve, health officials and governments across Africa must collaborate to implement effective strategies to combat the mpox outbreak. The Africa CDC's declaration serves as a reminder that proactive measures are essential to safeguard public health and prevent further spread of this infectious disease.
