A deadly new strain of mpox has emerged in Central Africa and has spread throughout the continent and beyond, causing widespread concern and alarm. The current outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has since spread to other areas in Central and East Africa, has already claimed the lives of at least 450 people. The Clade 1B strain responsible for the outbreak is now making its way to countries outside of Africa, with cases reported in Sweden and Pakistan.
The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency, marking the highest level of alarm under international health law. Prior to this declaration, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had already declared a public health emergency for the continent. The last time mpox was declared a global health emergency was in 2022, when a different strain of the virus caused an outbreak in West Africa.
The mpox virus, originally discovered in monkeys in Denmark in 1958, has since made the jump to humans. The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With the current outbreak spreading rapidly, experts are concerned about the potential for the virus to become as deadly as Covid-19.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus. Early symptoms include fever, chills, and body aches, followed by the development of a rash that spreads over the entire body. The disease is categorized into two distinct clades, with Clade 1B being the strain responsible for the current outbreak.
Mpox can spread from animals to humans through bites, scratches, close contact, or consuming undercooked food. The virus can also be transmitted from human to human through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and direct contact. Preventive measures such as using protective gear and avoiding contact with potentially infected animals are crucial in reducing the risk of transmission.
There are two main clades of mpox, Clade I and Clade II, each with its own characteristics and transmission routes. Clade I is primarily found in Central Africa and is associated with more severe disease and higher mortality rates, while Clade II is observed mainly in West Africa and tends to be milder with lower mortality rates.
To prevent mpox infection, experts recommend getting vaccinated with the JYNNEOS vaccine, avoiding contact with wild animals, practicing proper hand hygiene, wearing protective clothing when caring for infected individuals, and sanitizing potentially infected settings and items. Understanding the differences between the two clades is crucial for effective public health responses.
In conclusion, the emergence of a deadly new strain of mpox in Central Africa and its spread to other parts of the continent and beyond has raised serious concerns among health authorities. The World Health Organization’s declaration of a global health emergency underscores the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for swift and coordinated efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus.
