Mpox in Africa: A Resurging Viral Threat

Monkeypox (MPox) is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) and is characterized by skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The current outbreak in Africa has seen an unprecedented increase in cases since early 2024, with 15 African countries reporting outbreaks.

Understanding Mpox

Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV)
It belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus

Common symptoms include:

- Skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2-4 weeks
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Low energy
- Swollen lymph nodes

Transmission occurs through:

- Physical contact with an infectious person
- Contaminated materials
- Infected animals
Treatment is supportive and aims to alleviate symptoms
New therapeutics are being developed and tested

Current Mpox Outbreak in Africa

Unprecedented increase in mpox cases since early 2024
15 African countries reporting outbreaks
2,030 confirmed cases and 13 deaths in 2024 (as of the report date)
Compared to 1,145 cases and 7 deaths in all of 2023
Four previously unaffected countries now reporting cases:
- Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for over 90% of reported cases
New variant (clade 1b) emerged in September 2023 in DRC's eastern region
Cases of the new variant reported in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya

Transmission Patterns and Concerns

Varied transmission patterns across the region:

- Eastern DRC: New variant linked to sexual contact and high population movement
- South Africa: Most cases among men who have sex with men
- West and Central Africa: Associated with the 2022 global outbreak
WHO has elevated the outbreak response to the highest level
WHO Director-General called for an emergency committee meeting
Potential declaration as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
Priority is to rapidly interrupt virus transmission
Further analysis needed to understand transmission patterns

Response and Prevention Efforts

World Health Organization (WHO) working at global, regional, and national levels
Collaboration with Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Support for key response areas:
- Disease surveillance
- Diagnostic testing
- Clinical care
- Infection prevention and control
Efforts to access therapeutics and decentralize laboratory services
Increased awareness campaigns in communities
Enhanced field investigation and active case finding
Improved contact tracing
Financial support mobilization for affected countries
Advancing Emergency Use Listing Procedure for vaccines and treatments
Development of vaccination strategies and plans
Prevention relies on raising awareness and educating health workers

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