Mpox declared a health emergency: Here are causes, symptoms, and prevention of this highly infectious disease
mpox across the continent. This week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) will hold a meeting to discuss a potential emergency declaration regarding mpox. This year, nearly 27,000 mpox cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with around 1,100 deaths, many among children. Congo has been particularly hard hit, with over 96 percent of cases are concentrated in the DRC, with a 160% increase in cases and a 19% rise in deaths this year.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was first discovered in 1958 during outbreaks among monkeys. Historically, human cases were limited to central and west Africa, usually linked to contact with infected animals. In 2022, mpox was identified as a sexually transmitted virus, leading to outbreaks in over 70 countries that had not previously reported the disease. Mpox is part of the same virus family as smallpox but typically causes milder symptoms, including fever, chills, and body aches. Severe cases may involve lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.
Mpox: Current Situation
The number of mpox cases in Africa has surged significantly. The Africa CDC reported a 160 percent increase in cases and a 19 percent rise in deaths compared to last year. The new variant of mpox discovered in Congo has a higher fatality rate and may spread more easily. Unlike earlier outbreaks, this variant causes milder symptoms and lesions primarily on the genitals, making it harder to detect. Mpox has recently been identified in four East African countries—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—all linked to the outbreak in Congo. Meanwhile, less dangerous strains have been reported in the Ivory Coast and South Africa.
