The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. This decision comes in response to a resurgence of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the emergence of a new, more transmissible variant of the virus.
Resurgence and Spread
The outbreak in the DRC has rapidly spread to neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda⁴. The new variant, known as clade Ib, has shown a higher transmission rate through close contact, including sexual contact⁵. This has raised alarms as the virus continues to spread across Africa, with over 17,000 suspected cases and 517 deaths reported so far this year.
Global Response
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to curb the spread of the virus. “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries are very worrying,” he stated⁴. The declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) aims to accelerate research, funding, and international public health measures to contain the disease.
Historical Context
Mpox, caused by an Orthopoxvirus, was first detected in humans in 1970 in the DRC. The disease is endemic to countries in central and west Africa. In July 2022, a multi-country outbreak of mpox was declared a PHEIC as it spread rapidly via sexual contact across various countries. That emergency was declared over in May 2023 after a sustained decline in global cases.
Current Situation
The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of the new variant, poses a significant threat not only to Africa but to the entire globe. The WHO and other health organizations are working closely with affected countries to implement measures to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.
As the situation evolves, it is crucial for the global community to stay informed and support efforts to combat this public health emergency.