Mpox Declared Global Health Emergency Again as Outbreak Surges in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency for the second time in three years, highlighting the urgency of addressing a rapidly spreading outbreak that has now affected over a dozen nations in Africa. This declaration comes amidst a particularly severe epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the U.N. reports a staggering 15,600 cases and 537 associated deaths. This current wave of mpox has proven to be more lethal than the previous outbreak in 2022, underscoring the critical need for international attention and response. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was renamed in 2022 following concerns about the stigmatization associated with its former designation. The virus is endemic to Central and Western Africa and shares similarities with smallpox, though it is less contagious. Transmission primarily occurs through close contact with infected animals or humans, as well as through the consumption of contaminated meat. Notably, sexual contact can also facilitate the spread of the virus, and there is a risk of transmission from an infected individual to a fetus during pregnancy. The ongoing crisis is not confined to the DRC. The disease has now spread to 13 countries, including a concerning emergence of cases in East Africa, specifically in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The impact of mpox in these regions is compounded by existing humanitarian crises and internal conflicts, making containment efforts even more challenging. Dr. Sylvie Jonckheere, an advisor on emerging infectious diseases for Doctors Without Borders, emphasizes that while each outbreak varies based on community-specific circumstances, a troubling commonality exists: "We do not know how to control this outbreak." As the WHO raises the alarm, it urges immediate action to curb the spread of mpox. The organization’s call to action highlights the need for enhanced surveillance, public health interventions, and community education to mitigate the risks associated with this viral outbreak. The current emergency reflects not only the biological threat posed by mpox but also the broader implications for public health systems grappling with multiple crises. The resurgence of mpox is a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerabilities in global health security, particularly in regions already strained by conflict and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. As international health authorities mobilize resources and expertise to confront this emergency, the hope is that collaborative efforts will lead to effective strategies for controlling mpox and safeguarding communities across Africa and beyond.