The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared Mpox, commonly known as monkeypox, a public health emergency across the continent. This announcement comes in response to the rapid spread of the disease, which has so far infected over 13,700 people and claimed 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this year.
The declaration aims to galvanize African governments into action, improving coordination in the fight against Mpox and ensuring treatment and vaccines reach the most affected areas. So far, Mpox has spread beyond the DRC to other nations, including Burundi, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, and Kenya.
Mpox Spread and Impact
Mpox is a highly contagious disease that initially spreads from animals to humans and then through close contact between people. Symptoms include fever, body aches, and rashes that can appear all over the body. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Since its resurgence, the disease has caused concern among health experts due to its rapid spread. In Kenya, the first confirmed case of Mpox was reported in late July 2024, while both Burundi and Rwanda have already recorded cases. The latest figures show eight cases in Burundi and two in Rwanda.
Two Strains of Mpox
There are two main strains of the Mpox virus. The milder strain caused a major outbreak in 2022, affecting Europe, Australia, and the United States. This strain primarily spread through sexual contact. The more severe strain, which has led to the current crisis in the DRC, is more lethal and has established itself in Central Africa.
Vaccination Efforts
Although there are three vaccines available for Mpox, access remains limited. The vaccines are primarily administered to individuals at high risk, such as those in close contact with infected persons. Africa CDC officials are working to secure more doses for affected regions to help curb the spread of the disease.
International Concern
Health authorities outside Africa are closely monitoring the situation to assess the risk of Mpox spreading to other regions. As cases rise and fatalities increase, international efforts may soon be required to contain the disease and prevent it from becoming a global crisis.
The Africa CDC’s decision to declare Mpox a public health emergency is expected to help streamline efforts to combat the disease, ensuring that the affected countries have the necessary resources to fight the outbreak effectively.
