Africa is facing a significant health crisis as the mpox outbreak has surged, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to convene an urgent meeting to determine if it constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak, which has now reached 15 countries on the continent, includes four nations—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—that were previously unaffected by the disease.

As of early August 2024, the WHO reports that 2,030 confirmed mpox cases and 13 deaths have been recorded across the affected nations this year. The total number of suspected cases has exceeded 15,000, with over 500 deaths reported. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, which saw 1,145 cases and seven deaths.

WHO’s Alarm Over the Rapid Spread

The WHO is particularly concerned about the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has reported 90% of the cases. The DRC is grappling with an outbreak of a new and more virulent variant of mpox known as Clade 1b, which has been circulating since September 2023. This variant is highly lethal, especially among children, with a mortality rate of about 10%.

Recent analyses reveal that the Clade 1b variant is not only harder to detect but also exhibits mutations that evade current diagnostic tests. This has complicated efforts to control its spread. Media reports indicate that the variant has been responsible for numerous deaths in Burundi, South Africa, and the DRC, with its ability to cross borders contributing to the escalation of the outbreak in previously unaffected areas.

Expert Opinions and Observations

Dr. Zeil Rosenberg, Executive Vice President at Tonix Pharmaceuticals, which is working on a mpox vaccine, stated, “The most severe and lethal Clade 1 mpox, historically endemic to central Africa, has become predominant and is now found throughout the region,” as reported by the Daily Mail. Rosenberg’s comments highlight the severity of the situation and the urgent need for effective countermeasures.

The mpox virus, which is part of the same family as the smallpox virus, typically spreads through direct contact with infected animals, such as squirrels carrying the virus. However, the new Clade 1b variant has raised concerns about possible human-to-human transmission, which could exacerbate the outbreak. The disease presents with a rash that progresses through several stages, including scabs, before eventually healing.

Impact and Response

The WHO’s urgent meeting underscores the critical nature of the outbreak and the need for immediate international intervention. The global health community is mobilising resources to enhance surveillance, improve diagnostic capabilities, and accelerate vaccine development to contain the outbreak. The response efforts also include educating the public on preventive measures and strengthening health systems in the affected regions.

In addition to these measures, there is a push for increased funding and support for research into mpox, particularly to address the challenges posed by the new variant. Enhanced international cooperation and support are deemed essential to managing and ultimately controlling this severe health crisis.

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