The global health community was once again alerted when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2022. With over 500 deaths recorded in Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Central African Republic, concerns are mounting that this virus could spread beyond Africa and into other regions of the world. This declaration marks the second global health emergency following the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about which countries are at serious risk and whether Africa could face isolation due to the spread of this virus.
Understanding Mpox: Symptoms, Transmission, and Impact
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact with an infected person. It causes flu-like symptoms and distinct skin lesions that resemble pus-filled blisters. Although the disease is usually mild, it can be fatal in rare cases, especially in vulnerable populations such as children. A new variant of the virus has emerged in Central Africa, leading to a significant increase in cases. According to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), cases of Mpox have surged by 160% compared to last year, and deaths have increased by 19%, with more than 17,000 cases and over 500 fatalities reported.
The virus has a higher mortality rate in Africa, particularly among children under the age of 15, who account for nearly 70% of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 85% of deaths. This has raised alarms among health officials and policymakers across the continent and globally.
Which Countries Are in Serious Danger?
Several African nations are currently at high risk due to the rapid spread of Mpox. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen the highest number of cases, followed by Rwanda, Burundi, and the Central African Republic. These countries, with limited healthcare infrastructure and a shortage of vaccines, are facing significant challenges in controlling the outbreak.
Beyond Africa, there is concern that Mpox could spread to other regions, as seen during the previous outbreak in 2022 when the virus spread to over 70 countries, including many in Europe and Asia. The possibility of international travel and trade facilitating the spread of the virus has prompted global health authorities to remain vigilant.
Is Africa Going to Be Cut Off From the Rest of the World?
One of the key concerns is whether Africa could face isolation similar to what occurred during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited vaccine supplies and a rising number of cases, African nations may face restrictions on travel and trade, leading to potential economic isolation. The Africa CDC has emphasized the urgent need for more than 10 million doses of the Mpox vaccine to prevent the spread of the virus. However, only 200,000 doses are currently available on the continent, creating a critical gap in the ability to protect populations at risk.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the global implications of the Mpox outbreak, stating, “The potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying.” The international community must take coordinated action to prevent Africa from being cut off from the rest of the world and to provide the necessary support to contain the virus.
Is There a Risk of Mpox in Asia and Europe?
While the current outbreak is primarily concentrated in Africa, the risk of Mpox spreading to other regions remains a concern. The 2022 outbreak demonstrated the virus’s ability to spread to non-endemic countries, including those in Asia and Europe. During that outbreak, the WHO reported cases in over 70 countries that had not previously experienced Mpox infections.
The United States, in particular, is closely monitoring the situation. Given that international travel plays a significant role in the transmission of infectious diseases, the possibility of the virus spreading to Asia and Europe cannot be ruled out. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, delays in implementing preventive measures could lead to rapid and widespread transmission, especially in densely populated regions.
What Measures Is WHO Taking to Prevent Its Spread?
To mitigate the risk of global Mpox transmission, WHO and other health authorities have implemented several measures:
- Accelerated Research and Vaccine Development: WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a global public health emergency aims to fast-track research and vaccine development. Efforts are underway to increase vaccine production and distribution, particularly in Africa, where the demand far exceeds supply. This also involves funding initiatives and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to boost vaccine manufacturing.
- International Cooperation and Public Health Measures: The PHEIC declaration calls for enhanced international cooperation to prevent the spread of Mpox. This includes coordinated public health measures such as contact tracing, isolation of infected individuals, and travel restrictions where necessary. WHO is working with governments to implement these measures and ensure that they are effective in containing the virus.
- Raising Public Awareness: Public awareness campaigns are being launched globally to educate people about the symptoms and transmission of Mpox. This is crucial in preventing the virus from spreading through communities, particularly in regions that have not previously encountered the disease.
- Supporting African Health Authorities: The Africa CDC is leading efforts on the continent to increase vaccine availability and distribute medical supplies to affected regions. WHO is working in tandem with the Africa CDC to provide technical and logistical support to African health authorities. This includes deploying experts to assist with contact tracing, data collection, and laboratory testing.
Health emergency
The declaration of Mpox as a global public health emergency underscores the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action. African nations are currently bearing the brunt of the outbreak, with thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths recorded. However, the risk of the virus spreading to other regions, including Asia and Europe, remains a real concern.
Preventing Africa from being cut off from the rest of the world will require a coordinated international response. Vaccines, public health measures, and international cooperation will be crucial in containing the virus and preventing further spread. The WHO, alongside the Africa CDC and other global health authorities, is leading efforts to address the outbreak, but much more needs to be done to prevent another global health crisis.
References:
- World Health Organization. (2024). Mpox Update. Retrieved from WHO Official Website
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Mpox Outbreak Data. Retrieved from Africa CDC
- United Nations. (2024). Global Health Emergency Declarations. Retrieved from UN Official Website
