Global Health Alert: WHO Declares Mpox Emergency Amid Rising Cases and Urgent Needs

The recent declaration of a public health emergency for mpox by the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a significant escalation in the global response to this infectious disease. Just two years after the last emergency alert, the current outbreak, centered in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and affecting nearly a dozen African nations, is driven by the more virulent clade 1 type of the virus. Experts have expressed alarm, particularly as Sweden reported its first case of clade 1 outside of Africa this week, highlighting the potential for international spread. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease characterized by skin rashes and mucosal lesions. In its severe form, it can lead to dire complications such as brain inflammation and sepsis, with a risk of fatality. Classified as a zoonotic disease, mpox is transmitted from animals to humans, raising considerable concerns about its potential to trigger pandemics. The virus, discovered in 1958, has seen human cases since 1970, and its transmission mechanisms include contact with infected individuals or materials, particularly during intimate interactions. The resurgence of mpox has been alarming, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reporting over 17,000 suspected cases and 500 deaths across at least 12 countries, although this is likely an undercount. The current outbreak is particularly worrying because it involves the clade 1 virus, specifically the more aggressive clade 1b strain, associated with higher mortality and transmission rates compared to the previously prevalent clade 2. In response to the growing crisis, the WHO is convening an emergency meeting to address the equitable distribution of tests, treatments, and vaccines. Experts emphasize the urgency of early intervention while the disease remains geographically confined. Preventive measures, including isolation and sanitation, are critical in curbing the spread, especially as the clade 1 strain appears to be linked to sexual transmission in the DRC. The WHO is collaborating with the Africa CDC and other organizations to control the outbreak through enhanced surveillance and patient care efforts. However, challenges abound, particularly in conflict-affected regions like eastern DRC, where healthcare systems are already strained by malnutrition and other diseases. Financial resources are paramount; the WHO has allocated $1.45 million from its emergency fund but cites a need for at least $15 million more to effectively manage the outbreak. Vaccination is another crucial strategy to mitigate the crisis. The WHO has recommended two vaccines for mpox, and while the DRC and Nigeria have approved their use, supply agreements are still in the works. Bavarian Nordic, a vaccine manufacturer, has stated it can provide 10 million doses by the end of 2025, contingent on sufficient orders. The European Union has pledged to send 215,000 vaccine doses to the Africa CDC, but experts warn that broader vaccination initiatives are vital to prevent future outbreaks. While the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has indicated that the risk of sustained mpox transmission in Europe is low, provided imported cases are swiftly diagnosed, the specter of a more widespread outbreak remains. Furthermore, the ongoing public health challenges in heavily affected regions like the DRC, where the majority of cases are in children under 15, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive resources and support. As the world grapples with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that the nations most impacted by mpox receive adequate resources is a daunting yet essential task. The emergence of this new health threat, particularly among vulnerable populations, raises profound concerns about the future trajectory of infectious diseases and the global health response.