Africa CDC declares ‘public health emergency of continental security’ over mpox outbreak
Alarming spread of mpox across central Africa
Africa’s top public health authority, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has declared a “public health emergency of continental security” in response to a rapidly spreading mpox outbreak that has moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries.
Details of the outbreak
Mpox, a viral infection transmitted through close contact, is known for causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. While most cases are mild, the virus can be fatal. The current outbreak in Congo began with an endemic strain, Clade I, but a new variant, Clade Ib, appears to spread more easily, particularly among children.
Sharp increase in cases and fatalities
The Africa CDC recently expressed grave concern over the rate at which the virus is spreading. This year alone, over 15,000 cases of mpox and 461 deaths have been reported across the continent, marking a 160% increase compared to the same period last year.
Mpox has been endemic in parts of Africa for decades, with the first human case detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. However, the virus gained international attention in 2022 when a milder version spread to over a hundred countries, primarily through sexual contact. This prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international concern, its highest level of alert.
WHO response and current status
The WHO lifted the international emergency 10 months later, stating that the health crisis had been brought under control. However, the current situation in Africa highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the virus, particularly in regions where it remains endemic.