The World Health Organization (WHO) is urgently assessing the mpox outbreak that has spiraled into a major health crisis, potentially triggering a global emergency declaration. The disease, which initially surfaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has now spread to nine other African countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and South Africa.
The outbreak, last reported in 2022–23, has intensified with a deadly Clade Ib variant. Since then, the WHO has documented approximately 11,000 cases and 445 deaths. This surge follows a previous report from the DRC, which had 14,434 suspected cases and 728 deaths.
Mpox, similar to the eradicated smallpox, was first recorded in humans in the DRC in 1970. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or animals, including squirrels, rats, and various monkey species. Symptoms mirror those of smallpox and include rash, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
WHO highlights the challenges of diagnosing mpox, as it resembles other viral infections such as chickenpox and measles. Accurate testing, particularly through PCR from rash specimens, is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Early supportive care and vaccination—preferably within 4 days of exposure—are recommended to manage symptoms and prevent further spread.
The conflict-ridden DRC, plagued by civil unrest and the displacement of seven million people, exacerbates the outbreak’s impact. In makeshift camps, where physical distancing is nearly impossible, children are particularly vulnerable. The chronic instability, with ongoing battles involving over 120 rebel groups, threatens to worsen the outbreak’s reach.
As the WHO considers its response to this escalating crisis, the world watches closely, hoping for a coordinated effort to control the spread of mpox and mitigate its devastating effects.
