A new, more deadly strain of the Mpox virus, previously known as monkeypox, has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries. The World Health Organization considers declaring an international emergency.
A new strain of Mpox virus has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mpox, formerly known as Monkey virus, is a deadly viral infection which has been declared as a worldwide epidemic in 2022. Since 2022, there has been an increasing number of cases not only in Congo but also in Eastern and Central Africa nations like Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville and Ghana. The recent surge in numbers is driven by the rise of a new variant dubbed as Clade 1b, which is far more contagious and can transmit through non sexual contact.
In a report released last week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) indicated that mpox cases have surged by 160% across the continent this year compared to 2023. Although 96% of these cases have been documented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), multiple other African nations have also experienced new outbreaks. Since January, The Democratic republic of Congo has reported more than 10,000 cases and 500 deaths. The disease is particularly concentrated in the displacement camps of North Kivu and the mining town of Kamituga which is home to many sex workers. Both of these areas share the border with Rwanda,Burundi and Uganda, which is raises serious concern about cross border transmission. Keeping this in mind, the World Health Organization is contemplating to declare international public health emergency.
What is Mpox?
Originating in 1958 in a laboratory in Denmark, the Mpox virus was first discovered in monkeys. In 1970, the first human case was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it has slowly and steadily taken a deep hold.
The Mpox virus is a viral infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus (which includes smallpox, cowpox, and vaccinia). The disease can be transmitted from animals to humans through contaminated water and food supplies, as well as through person-to-person contact. Symptoms can appear within a week of exposure and can last up to four weeks. These symptoms include a skin rash that begins as flat sores that turn into fluid-filled blisters, skin lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and a sore throat. The disease is particularly fatal for pregnant women and children with compromised immunity.
Mpox is challenging to diagnose as the initial symptoms can resemble those of other infections. The disease is diagnosed using laboratory tests like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which usually utilizes skin lesions or bodily fluids.
The primary treatment for Mpox involves symptom management, adequate rest, and supportive care. Antiviral drugs like Tecovirimat, promoting handwashing and hygienic behaviors, and vaccinating at-risk individuals with the Mpox vaccine (which should be given within four days of contact with someone who has Mpox) are some of the methods used to contain the disease.
Mpox Strain
The Mpox virus has two strains, namely Clade I and Clade II. The 2022 epidemic was caused by Clade II, which is sexually transmitted by sex workers and men who have sex with men. The case fatality rate of the Clade II virus is less than 1%, while that of Clade Ib is around 6%.
Clade Ib is a recent mutation that was first reported in the mining town of Kamituga. The new variant of the Mpox virus is deadlier than its predecessor, as it is not just sexually transmitted but also spreads through other forms of physical contact. The new strain is also far more difficult to detect, as the rashes exhibited by patients are usually limited to the mouth, genitals, and face. Due to its increased transmission rate, there has been growing concern about cross-border and international spread of the virus.
World Health Organization and Mpox
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has indicated that he might convene an expert committee to advise on whether the Mpox outbreak should be declared an international public health emergency. In light of the rapidly increasing numbers in the DRC and neighboring African states, WHO, along with the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, local governments, and other stakeholders, is working to support and fund the implementation of appropriate measures to combat the disease.
There is increased concern regarding the Mpox virus in Africa, as the region is conflict-prone, with many areas lacking access to basic healthcare services. The population is already suffering from hunger, HIV, and poverty, which makes them more susceptible to the Mpox virus. The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo lacks testing kits, monitoring facilities, and sufficient vaccines to adequately track, treat, and control its dissemination.
