Following the declaration of mpox as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is crucial to take appropriate measures to guard against this deadly strain of the viral disease. The WHO’s announcement comes in the light of more than 15,000 suspected and confirmed cases, and 537 deaths due to the monkeypox virus this year. A new, deadlier strain of mpox clade 1b is said to be behind the current outbreak that has spread into eastern parts of the central African nation and has been reported in other countries for the first time, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
There are two major types of mpox variants – clade 1 and clade 2. Viruses from the clade 1 classes tend to be more deadly and infectious. Clade 2 strain was behind the mpox cases globally in 2022 and 2023.
What is mpox virus?
Monkeypox, now named as mpox, is an orthopoxvirus from the smallpox family. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is divided into two distinct genetic classes or clades: Clade 1 (formerly known as the Congo Basin clade) and Clade 2 (formerly known as the West African clade). These clades differ in their geographic distribution, severity, transmission rates, and clinical manifestations.
Clade 1 strain
Facts: It is historically found in Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Symptoms: They are generally more severe, with higher rates of complications like encephalitis, pneumonia, respiratory distress, and secondary bacterial infections.
Severity: Clade 1 has a higher fatality rate, ranging from 1% to 10% in some outbreaks, making it deadlier than Clade 2.
Clade 2
Facts: It is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and surrounding regions.
Symptoms: They tend to be milder, with fewer complications. Patients often have less severe skin lesions and fewer systemic symptoms. Lymphadenopathy is less pronounced.
Severity: Clade 2 is less infectious compared to Clade 1, with a lower rate of human-to-human transmission. The fatality rate for Clade 2 is less than 1%, making it less deadly than Clade 1.
Why WHO declared mpox as a global health emergency?
When a disease is declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), it signals a situation that is “serious, sudden, unusual, or unexpected,” with potential for international spread and requiring a coordinated global response. This declaration means that there will be increased awareness about the disease, enhanced surveillance and data sharing, and coordination amongst different countries. There will be mobilization of international resources, including financial aid, medical supplies, and expertise, to help contain the outbreak.
In conclusion, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments regarding mpox and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. By understanding the different strains of the virus and the severity of their symptoms, we can better prepare and respond to any potential outbreaks. The WHO’s declaration of mpox as a global health emergency underscores the importance of global cooperation and coordination in combating infectious diseases.
