Mpox Outbreak in Africa Raises Significant Concerns, According to WHO
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Kinshasa, Dec 24 (NationPress) The epidemiological situation regarding Mpox in Africa is particularly alarming, with elevated case numbers reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Uganda, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO's latest report indicates that as of December 15, Africa has documented 13,769 confirmed cases across 20 nations, resulting in 60 fatalities. The DRC remains the most affected nation, with 9,513 confirmed cases.
Although the DRC, identified as the outbreak's epicenter, has shown a relatively stable epidemic trend in recent weeks, the WHO cautioned that the observed plateauing and declining trends require careful interpretation, especially in light of potential reporting delays.
The ongoing outbreak has introduced a more hazardous yet inadequately understood variant, clade 1b, which was first identified in the DRC in September 2023. Reports of this clade 1b strain have emerged from several countries, including Sweden and Thailand.
The WHO noted that the geographical spread of the clade 1b mpox virus (MPXV) continues to be observed beyond the DRC, with eight countries outside of Africa having reported the strain.
Mpox is a viral illness attributed to the monkeypox virus, which consists of two distinct clades: clade 1b and clade 2b. It can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or exposure to infected animals.
“Much remains to be understood about the transmissibility and sustainability of transmission of the clade 1b MPXV,” stated the WHO, which earlier indicated that the mortality rate for the clade 1b MPXV is estimated at 3.6 percent, significantly higher than earlier strains.
In mid-August, the Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental significance. Shortly after, the WHO also recognized the viral disease as a public health emergency of international concern, marking the second occasion in two years that it has activated its highest level of global alert for mpox.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was initially discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958.
This rare viral disease is predominantly transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials.
Typical symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
