The rapid spread of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in Africa has sparked global concern and has been declared a public health emergency. With new strains of the virus emerging, there are many unanswered questions about its contagiousness and lethality.
The outbreak is not a singular event, but rather three separate outbreaks labeled by their clades. Clade 1a has been ongoing for over a decade in the west and north of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), primarily spread through the consumption of infected bushmeat. Clade 1b, a new branch of the virus, is causing outbreaks in the east of the DRC and neighboring countries, spreading through sexual contact and person-to-person transmission. Clade 2, the strain that went global in 2022, predominantly affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men communities.
The uncertainty surrounding the current outbreaks includes the unknown death toll and infection rates, as not all cases are being recorded. The World Health Organization reports a 3.6% death rate for Clade 1a in 2024, but no equivalent figure for Clade 1b.
Experts draw comparisons between the current mpox outbreaks and the early days of HIV, highlighting the importance of intervention to control the spread of the virus. While mpox is not expected to reach the scale of the Covid-19 pandemic, vigilance is necessary to prevent further transmission.
Vaccination efforts are crucial in controlling the outbreaks, with smallpox vaccines offering protection against mpox. However, there is a need for greater collaboration in sharing vaccines to prevent further spread of the virus.
As the world grapples with the evolving threat of mpox, it is essential to prioritize containment efforts and support affected communities to prevent a larger global crisis.
