The African continent is grappling with a severe mpox outbreak, as a mutated strain spreads rapidly across 14 countries. Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported that over 26,500 infections and 724 deaths have been recorded since January 2024. Alarmingly, the past week alone saw 3,160 new cases and 107 fatalities, accounting for 11% of infections and 14.7% of deaths this year.
Dr. Kaseya expressed grave concern, stating, "It's too much, it's not acceptable." He highlighted that children under 15 have been disproportionately affected by this outbreak. The virus, formerly known as monkeypox, was first discovered in 1958 in a colony of research monkeys, with the first human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The current crisis stems from a variant known as clade 1b, which emerged in eastern DRC. This strain is part of the more dangerous clade 1, which has been endemic in the region for decades. In contrast, the global outbreak in 2022 was primarily caused by the less severe clade 2, affecting predominantly gay and bisexual men.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health crisis in August 2024 as the new variant began crossing international borders. Cases have been reported as far as Thailand and Sweden, emphasizing the global nature of the threat.
Dr. Kaseya warned, "When we say, 'we need to stop this outbreak now', it's because we don't know if we can get another mutation." He stressed that this is not just an African issue but a global concern.
The outbreak has exposed significant inequalities in vaccine access and healthcare resources. While individuals in countries like the UK can easily access mpox vaccines, not a single dose had been administered in the DRC until recently. Healthcare workers in affected regions face severe shortages of basic supplies, including soap and antiseptic wipes.
"It's not a technical question, it's a political one. Vaccines are useless on shelves. Why wouldn't we get them to the people who need them right now?"
The first shipment of 99,000 vaccine doses from the European Union arrived in the DRC on September 6, 2024. Additional donations followed, with 50,000 doses from the United States and 15,000 from Gavi arriving on September 10. However, these numbers pale in comparison to the millions at risk in the vast country.
The mpox virus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, especially in dark, cool, and low humidity environments, making containment challenging. With an incubation period of 6 to 13 days, and symptoms including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, early detection and treatment are crucial.
As the international community responds to this crisis, the focus must be on equitable vaccine distribution and strengthening healthcare systems in affected regions to prevent further spread and mutations of this dangerous virus.