The deadly disease formerly known as monkeypox, now referred to as Mpox, has been declared a public health emergency in Africa by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). With over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone since the beginning of the year, the continent is facing a serious crisis.
The rapid spread of a new strain of Mpox has raised alarm among scientists, prompting the declaration of a public health emergency to facilitate a coordinated response from governments and increase the flow of medical supplies and aid to affected areas. Mpox has already spread to other African countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Africa CDC head Jean Kaseya emphasized the urgent need for proactive and aggressive measures to contain the disease, warning that failure to act swiftly could lead to the situation spiraling out of control. Health officials outside Africa are also closely monitoring the situation to assess the risk of the outbreak spreading further.
Mpox is transmitted from animals to humans and between people through close contact, including sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and even talking or breathing near an infected individual. Symptoms of Mpox include fever, muscle aches, and lesions across the body, with the potential for deadly consequences if left untreated.
There are two main strains of the virus, with the more deadly strain endemic in central Africa responsible for the recent outbreak in DR Congo. While there are three vaccines available, they are typically reserved for individuals at risk or those who have been in close contact with an infected person.
Dr. Kaseya revealed plans to secure approximately 10 million doses of the vaccine to help limit the spread of Mpox in Africa. The declaration of a public health emergency serves as a stark reminder of the importance of swift and decisive action in combating infectious diseases before they escalate into full-blown crises.
