admin A new strain of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) threatens global health. Authorities must act swiftly to contain this virus. Since September 2023, mpox cases have surged in the DRC, reaching crisis levels due to a new strain spreading without sexual contact and evading diagnostic tests. Vaccines are scarce, exacerbating the situation.
Nearly 9,600 suspected mpox cases and over 400 deaths have been reported in eight African countries. Children under 15 account for most infections and deaths in 2024. Most cases are in the DRC, but the new strain may have spread beyond its borders. Testing and surveillance gaps mean actual cases are likely higher.
Without prompt action, mpox could cause more illnesses and deaths and spread beyond Central Africa. Dr. Rosamund Lewis from the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the virus may be on the move. In 2022, mpox became a global issue, spreading among gay and bisexual men in Europe and North America.
Mpox, now detected in 116 countries, continues to spread among men who have sex with men. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a rash that turns into painful skin lesions, sometimes leading to death. Children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.
The new strain, an offshoot of Clade I, emerged among miners and sex workers in Kamituga, DRC. It spreads through close personal contact, not just sex, making it harder to track and contain. Researchers warn this strain has “pandemic potential.”
Effective containment requires lessons from past outbreaks, including targeted vaccine distribution, antiviral treatments, and health messaging. However, stigma, vaccine access issues, and a weak medical regulatory system in the DRC hinder these efforts. The DRC recently granted emergency authorization for two mpox vaccines, but domestic vaccine manufacturing is almost nonexistent. Reliance on donated doses further complicates the response.
Experts stress the need for better disease surveillance, public health messaging, and clinical care for infected patients. Integrating mpox testing and treatment into sexual health services can help. People with HIV are at higher risk of severe mpox illness and death.
The current outbreak highlights the need for robust public health infrastructure in Africa. The Africa CDC proposed a New Public Health Order in 2021, emphasizing health workforce development, regional vaccine manufacturing, domestic health security funding, and global collaboration. However, progress has been slow, and regulatory pathways remain fragmented.
Immediate access to biomedical interventions for mpox is crucial. Ensuring vaccine availability and addressing health inequalities is vital to prevent further spread.
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