The Democratic Republic of Congo has recently seen a surge in mpox cases, with over 1,000 new cases recorded in just one week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This alarming spike has ignited urgent calls for vaccination efforts across the continent, as African health authorities grapple with the rapid spread of the virus.
A Rapidly Spreading Crisis
Mpox, a viral disease that has drawn global attention in recent months, has been spreading across multiple countries, sparking concerns about its potential to escalate into a pandemic. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the public that mpox is not comparable to COVID-19 in terms of severity, the recent increase in cases has nonetheless prompted widespread anxiety.
In the past seven days alone, Congo has accounted for 1,030 of the 1,405 new mpox cases reported across Africa. This concentration of cases in Congo highlights the region's vulnerability to the virus and underscores the urgent need for enhanced public health measures. The majority of these cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing, but with only 16 percent of suspected cases being officially tested and confirmed, the true number of infections may be significantly higher.
Understanding Mpox
As per Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director, International SOS, monkeypox or mpox is a disease caused by a virus of the orthopoxvirus family (whose other member includes the now-eradicated smallpox virus). The difference between the two lies in the severity and outcome of the disease. Monkeypox is a milder infection than smallpox, even if the symptoms and progression are similar. Even in the countries where it is endemic (mainly in parts of the African continent), the fatality rate has been low (between 1-10%) In fact, in recent times, this rate has been observed to be lower at 3-6% of all infections.
The risk of severe disease and death depends on the strain of the virus as well as pre-existing health conditions and secondary infections. While strain Clade 2 is milder and was responsible for the 2022 outbreak, the worry in 2024 is that the slightly more severe strain called Clade 1, which is usually restricted to a few African countries has been causing cases in Sweden, the Philippines and Pakistan. This is the reason why the WHO has declared the mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Congo at the Epicenter of the Outbreak
Congo has borne the brunt of the mpox outbreak, with 94% of the continent's total cases this year being reported from the country. To date, Congo has recorded 17,794 of the 18,910 mpox cases reported across Africa, resulting in 535 deaths. This stark statistic underscores the severity of the situation in Congo and highlights the critical need for immediate action.
According to Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa CDC, the reported cases in Congo likely represent only a fraction of the true number of infections. He pointed out that only 20 per cent of suspected cases are being tested, due to limited testing and surveillance capacity in the region. This gap in testing and monitoring has made it difficult to accurately assess the full scope of the outbreak, further complicating efforts to contain the virus.
Global and Regional Responses
In response to the escalating crisis, the African health authorities have made urgent calls for increased vaccination efforts to curb the spread of the virus. The WHO has emphasised that while mpox is a serious public health concern, it is not on the same scale as COVID-19. The organisation has declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), signalling the need for coordinated international action to prevent further spread.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there is hope that with proper vaccination and public health measures, the spread of mpox can be controlled. The WHO has stressed the importance of vaccination, along with other precautionary measures, in preventing the virus from becoming a larger global threat. However, the limited capacity for testing and surveillance in Africa remains a significant obstacle to these efforts.
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Preventive Measures and Vaccination
The spread of mpox can be mitigated through vaccination and other preventive measures, such as maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with infected individuals. Public health authorities are urging people in affected regions to seek vaccination and to follow recommended guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.
While the current situation in Congo is concerning, it is important to remember that mpox is preventable. Vaccination, combined with public awareness and education, can play a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus. The international community must work together to support affected regions, particularly in Africa, where the burden of the disease is most severe.
Bottomline
The recent surge in mpox cases in Congo is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in managing this outbreak. With over 1,000 new cases reported in just one week, the need for urgent action is clear. Enhanced vaccination efforts, improved testing and surveillance, and coordinated international support are all essential to containing the spread of mpox and preventing further loss of life.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the global community to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this public health threat. By working together, we can help to ensure that mpox does not become a larger global crisis, and that those most affected by the outbreak receive the support and resources they need to overcome this challenge.