Alert for new strain of mpox in Africa: 461 deaths and concern in Europe.

The situation of the mpox virus in Africa has reached alarming levels, with a new strain that has triggered outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 461 deaths and 15,000 infections have already been reported this year. This exponential growth has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare an international public health emergency, while the African public health agency has also taken measures to contain the spread of the virus. The concern is not only about the number of cases but also about the virulence of this new variant, which is up to ten times more severe and deadly than the strain that has circulated in Europe over the past two years.

In Spain, Francisco Javier Membrillo, the vice president of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, has warned that the new variant could reach the country. While Spain has been dealing with mpox since 2022, with over 8,100 reported cases, most of these have been caused by the clade II strain, which is less lethal. However, the introduction of the clade I strain, associated with higher lethality, could represent a significant change in the epidemiological landscape of the disease in Europe.

The rapid spread of the new strain in Africa has been alarming, with a 160% increase in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo compared to the previous year. Neighboring countries such as Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda have also reported cases, suggesting that the virus is crossing borders and threatening public health in the region. The WHO has expressed particular concern about the number of cases among those under 15 years old, a group that represents a significant proportion of infections and deaths.

Unlike the clade II strain, which has mainly been associated with outbreaks in specific contexts, such as chemsex parties, the new variant poses a different risk. Membrillo has highlighted that this strain has not been linked to the same transmission dynamics and that cross-immunity between different variants is not yet fully understood. This means that those who have already suffered from the disease may not be protected against the new strain, further complicating control efforts.

The figures in Spain are corroborated by data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, which has designated the country as the most affected in Europe, with double the cases of the next on the list, France. Membrillo has reflected on the factors that may have contributed to this, noting that it may be due to a lack of specialization in infectious diseases within the Spanish healthcare system, which could have delayed diagnoses and, consequently, the containment of the virus.

Although the arrival of the new strain generates concern, experts assure that a situation similar to that of the COVID-19 pandemic is not expected to recur. The transmission of mpox occurs primarily through skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sexual relations, which limits its spread compared to the coronavirus. Nonetheless, the WHO is taking precautions to prevent a new wave of infections from reaching concerning dimensions.

Vaccination against mpox has been mainly recommended for those who engage in risky sexual practices or who are in direct contact with infected individuals. Membrillo has emphasized that, despite the alert, mass vaccination is not deemed necessary at this time, suggesting that the focus should be more specific and directed at higher-risk populations.

In the current context, it is vital for both health authorities and the public to maintain active vigilance and continue with preventive practices. The situation in Africa serves as a reminder of the global interconnectedness of diseases and the need to be prepared to respond to outbreaks that could cross borders rapidly.

With the declaration of an international public health emergency, the global community once again faces the challenge of containing a virus that has proven to be adaptable and potentially lethal. A coordinated response will be essential to prevent mpox from becoming an even greater public health crisis, especially at a time when the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevention, education, and attention to vulnerable groups become key tools in addressing this new threat.