A new strain of Mpox is causing a public health emergency in Africa, with cases and deaths on the rise. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that primarily affects central and western Africa. The World Health Organization renamed the disease in 2022 due to concerns about the original name being racist and stigmatizing. The current outbreak is driven by a new variant known as Clade 1b, which is spreading more easily through close contact, particularly among children.
Symptoms of Mpox include skin rash, pus-filled lesions, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, and respiratory symptoms. The new strain, Clade 1b, is causing more severe symptoms compared to previous strains, with lesions mostly appearing on the genitals, making it harder to diagnose. Currently, there is no specific treatment for Mpox, and supportive care and pain control are recommended for most patients. A two-dose vaccine has been developed to protect against the virus, but availability in Africa is limited.
The Mpox outbreak in Africa worsened due to the emergence of the Clade 1b strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus has spread to 18 neighboring countries, with the majority of cases and deaths reported in the DRC. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are facing challenges in obtaining enough vaccine doses to control the outbreak. The situation in Africa has raised concerns about the potential global impact of Mpox.
In the past, a milder version of the virus spread to over 100 countries, including the UK, through sexual contact. The World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern in response to the outbreak. While the emergency was later lifted as the situation improved, experts are now considering reinstating the highest level of alert due to the severity of the current Mpox epidemic in Africa. Urgent action is needed to prevent further spread of the disease and protect public health worldwide.