BTN News: In recent weeks, there has been growing concern as the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a rapid spread of the mpox virus, also known as monkeypox, across several African countries. Although the threat has been on the radar since 2022, the situation has worsened, with an alarming increase in both infections and fatalities in 2024. The virus, which has been classified as a public health emergency of international concern, has prompted health authorities worldwide to take urgent measures to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control. The current outbreak has predominantly affected African nations, with over 15,000 reported cases and 462 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but also spreading to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
The virus has proven particularly dangerous for children, with a significant percentage of infections occurring in minors under the age of five. Shockingly, children account for 62% of the total deaths, underscoring the severity of the outbreak among this vulnerable population. Compounding the situation is the emergence of a new variant, or ‘clade,’ of the mpox virus, which is more transmissible and deadly, especially in children. The WHO and global health experts are particularly concerned about the variant’s high mortality rate, which ranges from 0% to 11%. Moreover, the under-resourced healthcare systems in many of the affected countries are struggling to manage the crisis, making it difficult to predict the full extent of the outbreak’s potential impact.
Mpox presents with a range of symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses, such as chickenpox, measles, or bacterial skin infections like scabies and syphilis. The incubation period for mpox can last between 5 to 21 days, during which infected individuals may experience fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and severe fatigue. Following this initial phase, the virus typically causes a rash that progresses through several stages—from flat lesions (macules) to raised, painful bumps (papules), and eventually to fluid-filled blisters. These blisters dry up and form scabs, which should be allowed to fall off naturally to minimize scarring.
While the initial reports of mpox transmission emphasized sexual contact as the primary mode of infection, the current outbreak, especially with the new variant, has shown that the virus can spread more easily. Close physical contact with an infected person’s skin, as well as respiratory transmission through talking or breathing in close proximity, are now recognized as significant pathways for the virus to spread. This increased transmissibility, particularly among children, has raised alarms worldwide.
In terms of prevention, vaccines that were originally used for smallpox have shown about 85% effectiveness against mpox. However, the efficacy of these vaccines against the new mpox variants remains unclear. Research is ongoing to develop more effective vaccines tailored to these newer strains. Currently, health organizations, including the WHO, are evaluating the outbreak’s dynamics, particularly in Africa, to determine which populations are at the greatest risk and should be prioritized for vaccination. In countries like Spain, health workers who are in close contact with infected individuals and people engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors have been identified as potential candidates for vaccination.
The ongoing outbreak of mpox underscores the importance of global vigilance and swift action in managing emerging infectious diseases. As the situation evolves, public health authorities and researchers continue to work on containing the virus and preventing further spread, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. The international community must remain focused on strengthening healthcare systems in affected regions and ensuring that effective vaccines and treatments are accessible to those in need.
