The mpox outbreak has been declared a global public health emergency by the WHO. Medics in DR Congo have reported a reduction in new infections since vaccines were rolled out, with new cases appearing to plateau. However, the disease remains highly contagious and has spread to 19 countries in Africa, with cases also reported globally.
Mpox Outbreak: Key Points and Developments
Introduction
The mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak has been declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease is highly contagious and has spread to 19 countries in Africa, with cases also reported in other parts of the world.
Reduction in New Infections in DR Congo
Medics at the epicenter of the mpox outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have reported a notable reduction in new infections since the first batch of vaccines were rolled out last month. The WHO has confirmed that new cases appear to be “plateauing” in DR Congo, but cautioned that it is too early to tell the impact of vaccinations.
Global Public Health Emergency
Mpox remains a global public health emergency, with the highest alert for any major outbreak. The disease is suspected to have killed at least 900 people in DR Congo this year. WHO officials have confirmed that mpox is still spreading, with cases reported in several countries beyond Africa.
Vaccination Efforts
Vaccination programmes have started elsewhere in Africa, including in Nigeria and DR Congo’s neighbor Rwanda. However, experts have noted that mpox appears to be disproportionately affecting children in DR Congo – and they are not being vaccinated. The WHO has authorized a vaccine for children, but over 50,000 people have been vaccinated so far.
Continued Intervention Needed
The Africa CDC has warned that it is too early to say the mpox outbreak is under control, and there remains a strong need for continued intervention at pace and scale. Dr Kaseya of the Africa CDC stated that no notable changes in cases have been seen week-on-week over the past month in DR Congo.
Coordinated Global Response
The WHO Director-General has called for a coordinated global response to the outbreak. With every effort to conduct vaccinations, reinforce surveillance and laboratory systems, it is hoped that by mid-January to February, a decrease in cases of infection and deaths will be seen.
Key Statistics
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At least 900 people are suspected to have died from mpox in DR Congo this year.
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Mpox has been reported in 19 countries in Africa.
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A new strain of mpox known as Clade 1b has been reported in DR Congo, which appears to spread more easily and cause more serious disease.
Global Response Needed
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has called for a coordinated global response to the outbreak, which has now spread beyond Africa with cases reported in several countries. The outbreak has also been reported in the UK, US, Sweden, India, Germany, Thailand, and Pakistan.
Timeline of Developments
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Vaccination programmes have started elsewhere in Africa too, including in Nigeria and DR Congo’s neighbor Rwanda.
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Dr Kaseya said the Africa CDC had not seen any notable changes week-on-week over the past month in the DR Congo.
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With every effort to conduct vaccinations, reinforce surveillance and laboratory systems, maybe by mid-January to February we’ll start to see a decrease in the cases of infection and deaths.
Key Takeaways
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Mpox remains a global public health emergency.
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New cases appear to be “plateauing” in DR Congo, but it is too early to tell the impact of vaccinations.
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Vaccination programmes have started elsewhere in Africa, but continued intervention at pace and scale is needed.
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A coordinated global response to the outbreak is necessary to control its spread.
