Health experts are raising alarms about Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, urging for immediate action to control its spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared it a global health emergency, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Mpox has currently reached alarming levels, with reported infections across 13 African countries, including Congo. There, over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been documented, reinforcing the need for swift action.
This is the second time within three years Mpox has been classified as an emergency by the WHO, emphasizing its growing threat. The designation of Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) marks it as the highest alert level.
Initially identified among monkeys, Mpox is considered a viral zoonotic disease; the first human case emerged only in 1970. The current outbreak is primarily caused by the Clade I variant, which has evolved to spread more efficiently among people.
According to the WHO, this Clade 1b variant of Mpox made its leap from animals to humans around September 2023. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan from the Indian Medical Association noted the current strain is spreading through close and sexual contact, affecting both genders and, alarmingly, children within households.
With this change, the mortality rate has reportedly increased compared to the 2022 outbreak, signaling enhanced transmission potential. An early intervention could help not just Africa but also prepare other regions for potential outbreaks.
India has reported 27 confirmed cases of Mpox since January 2022 through June 2024, with one death noted within this timeframe. New cases have emerged particularly in Eastern Africa, with Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda logging their first instances of the virus.
The Africa CDC has also declared its own Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, citing over 17,000 suspected cases logged this year alone. This represents a four-fold rise since the previous wave seen in 2022.
Dr. Ishwar Gilada stresses important distinctions between Mpox and Covid-19, noting symptoms include fever, rashes, lymph node swelling, and potential systemic infections. Unlike Covid-19, Mpox is not airborne; it is rarely transmitted through droplets or contaminated surfaces, making mask-wearing ineffective against it.
Dr. Gilada defines Mpox as part of the “21st Century's sexually transmitted diseases (STD),” with nearly all transmitted cases seen among men who have sex with men (MSM). The disease can inflict flu-like symptoms initially, evolving to display characteristic rashes which begin on the face.
This unique rash transitions through different stages before drying up, with swollen lymph nodes being another distinct feature of Mpox. Presently, no proven treatments for the disease exist, but vaccines like Jynneos and Bavarian Nordic could offer preventative measures.
Experts advocate for India to pursue its own vaccine development, capitalizing on the country’s vaccine production capabilities. Maintaining good hygiene, handwashing, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals have emerged as key recommendations.
Meanwhile, Australia is also sounding alarms over rising Mpox infections, urging readiness among health authorities and the public alike. The Australian health authorities have identified several cases and are taking steps to prevent the virus's spread.
Sweden has reported its first case of the more infectious Clade I variant, marking the first such confirmation outside Africa. The individual contracted the virus during travel to regions where the variant is prevalent, illustrating its global reach.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden confirmed the infection and noted it is contemplating measures for diagnosis, treatment, and isolation of affected individuals. Clade I has shown to spread differently than others, now largely through household contact and, troublingly, also affecting children.
Though mild illnesses may emerge, Clade I carries risks of more severe health outcomes and higher mortality rates. Previously, Sweden had recorded around 300 cases of the Clade IIb variant during the last outbreak.
Interestingly, the first recorded sexually transmitted case of Clade I came from Congo, involving someone who had connections back to Belgium. While no clade I virus circulation was found there, the international dimensions of the outbreaks need to be acknowledged.
Czech health authorities are now recommending vaccinations against Mpox as precautionary measures. This proactive stance aims to mitigate possible spreads and protect public health.
Countries like India are encouraged to develop vaccines similar to how they previously addressed health crises such as SARS-CoV-2. This could potentially fortify defenses against Mpox as it continues to appear across various regions.
Overall, health officials internationally are recognizing the pivotal need for early intervention and effective management of Mpox. Should the spread continue unchecked, the consequences may be dire for global health.
People are advised to stay informed and maintain good hygiene practices as preventive measures against Mpox infection.
Despite the dire situation, experts remain hopeful about the outcomes if proactive measures are taken quickly. It’s clear, as experts affirm, early action against Mpox can mobilize resources needed to contain outbreaks and prevent future occurrences.
