Global Surge in Mpox Cases Sparks Urgent Screening and Vaccine Distribution Efforts

As mpox cases continue to rise globally, countries are intensifying their screening measures in response to the unfolding public health crisis. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has increased its risk assessment level for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, from low to moderate following the emergence of the first reported case of clade Ib outside of Africa, specifically in Sweden. This uptick in cases is not isolated. Pakistan has also reported its initial case of mpox in a traveler returning from the United Arab Emirates, while China has announced plans to begin screening incoming travelers for the virus. Although the UK Health Security Agency reported no current cases within the nation and assessed the risk as low, preparations are already underway for any potential future outbreaks. ECDC director Pamela Rendi-Wagner highlighted the interconnectedness of Europe and Africa, indicating that further imported cases of clade I are "highly likely." This reality is underscored by the World Health Organization's recent declaration of a public health emergency in light of the rising cases, originating predominantly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and spreading to neighboring regions. The current outbreak is primarily driven by the clade I variant, which has historically been more lethal. This variant has mutated into clade Ib, which is now showing signs of sustained human-to-human transmission through both sexual and non-sexual contact. The situation is dire, with Africa reporting over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths already this year— a figure that surpasses the total reported for the entire previous year. In the face of these alarming statistics, recent clinical trials for the antiviral drug tecovirimat have yielded disappointing outcomes. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial indicated that the drug did not significantly shorten the duration of mpox lesions in affected individuals. However, the study did observe a lower death rate among the participants compared to the overall mortality rate in the DRC, suggesting that better medical care may have played a crucial role. In light of the evolving situation, global health experts are calling for increased research, particularly in the DRC, to better understand the transmission dynamics of the clade Ib variant. Questions remain about its transmissibility and whether it spreads more effectively via sexual contact. As the scientific community grapples with these uncertainties, humanitarian organizations are urging for a swift increase in the distribution of diagnostic kits, treatments, and vaccines to combat the outbreak in Africa. Bronwyn Nichol from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies emphasized the critical shortages of testing and treatment supplies that are hampering containment efforts. Gavi, the vaccines alliance, is in discussions with countries that have substantial vaccine stockpiles, such as the US and Japan, to mobilize a donation program for the DRC, with an estimated 65,000 doses potentially available in the immediate future. In a further effort to curb the outbreak, Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic is seeking European approval to extend the use of its mpox vaccine to children aged 12 to 17, following its previous emergency authorization for teenagers in the US during the 2022 outbreak. The company claims it can produce 10 million vaccine doses by 2025 but is currently waiting for orders to be placed, noting it has about 500,000 doses available in stock. As the global community faces this alarming resurgence of mpox, the necessity for prompt action, comprehensive research, and increased public health infrastructure is more crucial than ever.