The World Health Organization has issued a global emergency declaration for the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa, emphasizing the need for immediate action to contain the virus’ spread.
Sweden recently reported the discovery of the first case of a new strain of mpox in a traveler, a form previously only observed in Africa. European health authorities have cautioned about the likelihood of more imported cases in the region.
Mpox, or monkeypox, differs significantly from airborne viruses like those responsible for past pandemics such as swine flu and COVID-19. It is mainly transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact and can cause visible skin lesions, reducing the chances of close interpersonal contact.
Experts recommend avoiding physical contact with individuals displaying mpox-like lesions, refraining from sharing personal items, and practicing good hygiene, especially frequent hand-washing.
Europe’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has suggested that additional imported cases of mpox from Africa are probable, but the risk of local outbreaks in Europe remains minimal. The general risk to populations in countries without ongoing mpox outbreaks is considered low.
The spread of mpox is considerably slower compared to COVID-19, with significantly fewer reported cases and deaths globally. Unlike COVID-19, there are available vaccines and treatments for mpox, providing more tools to combat the virus.
Mitigating the current mpox outbreaks remains uncertain. While efforts in 2022 helped slow the spread in over 70 countries through vaccination campaigns and providing medications to at-risk groups in wealthier nations, the situation in African countries, particularly Congo, remains dire.
Despite WHO’s declaration of a global emergency for mpox in 2022, Africa has received very few vaccines or treatments. Experts stress the importance of prioritizing efforts to control the outbreaks in Africa, emphasizing the need for global investment to combat the pandemic effectively.