Mpox: Understanding the Latest Global Health Emergency
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is back in the headlines as the World Health Organization (WHO) declares it a “public health emergency of international concern.” This designation comes as a new, deadlier form of the virus is causing widespread outbreaks in Africa.
Current Mpox Situation
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s happening:
- 14 African countries have reported mpox outbreaks in 2024.
- 17,000 suspected cases and 517 confirmed deaths have been recorded across the continent.
- Over 96% of cases and deaths are concentrated in the Congo.
The virus, which comes in different “clades,” is causing alarm with the rise of a particularly severe variant: clade Ib. This variant is part of the clade I group and is spreading rapidly through multiple countries.
Mpox Clades and Their Impact
Mpox is categorised into two main clades:
- Clade I: Includes the newly emerged clade Ib, which is linked to the recent surge in Africa.
- Clade II: Previously caused the global outbreak in 2022 and is associated with transmission through sexual and intimate contact.
Why Is Clade Ib So Concerning?
The new clade Ib variant of mpox is alarming for several reasons:
- Increased Severity: Clade Ib is thought to cause more severe disease compared to previous strains.
- Impact on Children: In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 40% of cases are in children under 5 years old, a demographic particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes.
- Immunocompromised Populations: The outbreak is affecting regions with high HIV prevalence and poor access to antiretroviral drugs.
Countries Affected by Mpox Outbreaks
Here’s a breakdown of countries currently dealing with mpox outbreaks:
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Uganda
Noteworthy Points:
- New Outbreaks: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are reporting outbreaks for the first time.
- Clade II: South Africa is experiencing cases primarily among individuals living with HIV.
Global Response and Concerns
Despite the severity of the situation in Africa, the U.S. government is stepping up:
- $17 million pledged for mpox preparedness and response in Central and Eastern Africa.
- 50,000 doses of mpox vaccine to be donated to Congo.
In the U.S., however, the situation is less critical:
- Low Risk: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that the risk to the general American public remains low.
- Surveillance: Wastewater surveillance shows only low levels of clade II mpox.
- Vaccination Recommendations: High-risk individuals are encouraged to get the Jynneos mpox vaccine.
Who Should Consider Getting Vaccinated?
The CDC recommends the mpox vaccine if:
- You’ve had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox.
- You are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, or a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person with a recent STI diagnosis or multiple sexual partners.
- You anticipate being in situations where you could be exposed.
Looking Forward
While the situation is alarming, global health agencies and governments are mobilising resources to control the outbreaks. The primary concern remains the severe impact of clade Ib, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence and limited healthcare infrastructure.
Staying Informed and Prepared
Keep up-to-date with the latest developments from credible sources and follow recommended health guidelines to protect yourself and others. Mpox remains a significant concern, but with continued vigilance and response efforts, we can mitigate its impact.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
