The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a global health emergency, underlining the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat its spread. This decision reflects growing concerns over the rapid transmission and a significant increase in mpox cases reported across multiple countries as well as increasing death toll associated with the disease, particularly in Africa.
Causative Agent
Mpox is caused by the mpox virus, a zoonotic virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus (causative agent of smallpox). While mpox has been primarily endemic (to certain regions of Africa) and less lethal than smallpox, the recent global outbreak highlights the importance of proactive measures to prevent further transmission.
There are two distinct genetic clades of the Monkeypox virus:
Central African (Congo Basin) Clade: Known to cause more severe disease.
West African Clade: Typically associated with milder cases.
How It Is Spread and the Rate of Spread
Mpox is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with materials contaminated with the virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids, or through contact with lesion material. The virus can also spread through indirect contact with lesion material, such as contaminated clothing or bedding.
The rate of spread has been increasing, particularly in regions outside of Africa where cases have been reported among individuals with no direct contact with animals. The current outbreak, marked by human-to-human transmission, poses a significant public health risk due to its potential to spread globally.
It has now spread across parts of Central and East Africa, and scientists are concerned about how fast a new variant of the disease is spreading and its high fatality rate - World Health Organization.
Outbreaks
Mpox was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since then, several outbreaks have occurred primarily in Central and West African countries. Notable outbreaks include:
1970–1980s: Various outbreaks in the DRC with sporadic cases across West and Central Africa.
2003: The first outbreak outside of Africa, reported in the United States, linked to imported animals.
2017-2019: A significant outbreak in Nigeria, which saw more than 200 confirmed cases.
2022-2023: A global outbreak with cases reported across Europe, the Americas, and other regions, leading to a renewed focus on the virus.
In Africa, the lethality of mpox varies by clade. The Central African clade has a higher mortality rate, with fatality rates of up to 10%, while the West African clade is less lethal, with a fatality rate of about 1-3%. Deaths in Africa due to mpox are primarily concentrated in remote areas with limited access to healthcare.
The highly contageous disease has killed at least 450 people during an initial outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo - World Health Organization.
Signs and Symptoms
Mpox presents with various symptoms;
typically starting with fever,
intense headache,
muscle aches,
swollen lymph nodes,
chills,
respiratory symptoms,
back pain, and
exhaustion.
Note: One of the hallmark signs is the development of a rash, which often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through different stages, from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally, scabs.
Control Measures
Medications and Vaccines
Currently, there is no specific cure for mpox. However, antiviral treatments like tecovirimat have shown promise in treating the disease, especially in severe cases. Supportive care is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Vaccination against smallpox has been found to offer some cross-protection against mpox, and newer vaccines like the MVA-BN (Imvanex) have been developed to protect against both smallpox and mpox.
Control Measures at All Levels
Individual Level:
Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water.
Avoid close contact with individuals who show symptoms of mpox.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for infected individuals.
Community Level:
Raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and transmission routes of mpox.
Promote vaccination in high-risk areas and populations.
Establish isolation protocols for suspected or confirmed cases.
Public Level:
Governments should implement and enforce public health measures such as surveillance, contact tracing, and quarantine for exposed individuals.
Strengthen health systems to rapidly identify and respond to outbreaks.
Collaborate with international health organizations to ensure a coordinated global respons.
Urgent Call for Action
The WHO's declaration underscores the necessity of urgent action to prevent a full-blown global crisis. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated,
The rapid spread of mpox and the rising death toll, especially in vulnerable regions like Africa, demand immediate global attention. We must act now to stop the spread and save lives.
He further said the window of oppoortunity is closing rapidly
This outbreak can be stopped with the right strategies in place, but the window of opportunity is closing rapidly.
In response to the WHO's declaration, African health ministers from affected countries and the Africa CDC Director have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and the mobilization of resources to curb the spread of mpox.
We cannot afford to let mpox become another endemic disease in Africa. Our governments are committed to working with international partners to implement effective control measures, said Dr. John Nkengasong, Africa CDC Director.
The WHO's declaration of mpox as a global health emergency is a wake-up call for the world. It highlights the need for immediate, coordinated efforts at all levels—individual, community, and public—we can contain this virus and protect vulnerable populations from its potentially devastating impact. Public health institutions must prioritize strengthening surveillance, response capacities, and vaccination programs to ensure that mpox is controlled before it becomes a larger threat to global health.
Stay informed, stay protected, and help us stop the spread of mpox.
This post underscores the importance of immediate and coordinated public health efforts in response to the WHO's declaration of mpox as a global health emergency. Please share to raise awareness and encourage collective action!
Comments