Since the declaration of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, as a public health emergency by the African Union’s health watchdog and the World Health Organization a few weeks ago, several countries have reported cases of the virus.
Although the World Health Organisation stressed that Mpox, regardless of whether it is a new or old strain, is not the new COVID, as authorities know how to control its spread.
“We can and must tackle Mpox together,” said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “The choice is ours: we can establish effective systems to control and eliminate Mpox globally, or we will fall into the cycle of panic and neglect once again. The way we respond to this challenge in the near term and beyond will be a crucial test for Europe and the world as a whole.
Light on Origin
The monkeypox virus was discovered in Denmark (1958) in monkeys kept for research, and the first reported human case of Mpox was a nine-month-old boy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, 1970).
After the global eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the subsequent discontinuation of smallpox vaccination worldwide, Mpox began to re-emerge in central, eastern, and western Africa. A global outbreak occurred in 2022-2023. The virus’s natural reservoir remains unknown, with various small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys being susceptible to infection.
Mode of Transmission
According to the African Centre for Disease Control, person-to-person transmission of Mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions, such as those found in the mouth or on genital areas, including close contact with an infected person, for example, through intimate contact or sharing of personal items.
- Face-to-face (talking or breathing)
- Skin-to-skin touching
- Mouth-to-mouth (kissing)
- Mouth-to-skin contact
- Respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols from prolonged close contact
The virus enters the body through various routes, including broken skin, mucosal surfaces such as the mouth, throat, eyes, genital area, and anus, or through the respiratory tract. Once infected, an individual can spread the virus to other household members and sex partners.
Animal-to-human transmission of mpox can occur through bites or scratches, or during activities such as hunting, skinning, trapping, cooking, playing with carcasses, or eating animals. The extent of viral circulation in animal populations is not fully understood, and further research is ongoing.
In addition to these routes, individuals can contract Mpox from contaminated objects such as clothing or linens or through sharps injuries in healthcare settings or community settings like tattoo parlours.
Fatality Rate
According to the World Health Organisation, for a small minority. Between 0.1 percent and 10 percent of people who have become infected with Mpox have died.
The mortality rate of Mpox can vary significantly depending on factors such as access to healthcare and underlying medical conditions, including undiagnosed HIV or advanced HIV, according to the UN health agency.
While symptoms of Mpox typically resolve on their own within a few weeks with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever, some individuals may experience severe illness or life-threatening complications.
Certain groups, including newborn babies, children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, such as those with advanced HIV, are at higher risk of developing severe Mpox disease and potentially life-threatening outcomes.
Vaccine Availability
According to Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa CDC, the continent requires over 10 million doses of vaccines to effectively contain the ongoing Mpox outbreak that has affected 13 countries in the region. However, the available vaccine supply is limited, with only around 200,000 doses available, leaving a significant gap of 9.8 million doses.
Africa CDC has also signed a partnership agreement with the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic to provide over 215,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine—the only FDA and EMA-approved Mpox vaccine. Africa CDC will oversee the equitable distribution of these vaccines, prioritising local needs across the affected Member States.
How Can You Prevent Mpox?
Advisory from WHO:
To prevent the spread of Mpox, it is essential to take precautions such as regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects and washing your hands thoroughly after touching potentially contaminated items.
In areas where animals are known to carry the virus, the risk of transmission can be minimised by avoiding direct contact with wild animals, especially those that appear sick or dead. Additionally, it is crucial to thoroughly cook any food containing animal products or meat before consumption.
In regions where animals are infected, it is vital to ensure that all food containing animal parts or meat is cooked thoroughly before eating to prevent the transmission of the virus.
The African continent urges the World Health Organization to take immediate action to ensure that Africa receives the necessary vaccine supply to combat the ongoing Mpox outbreaks. With the continent in critical need of over 10 million doses to address both Clade I and Clade II strains, it is essential to prioritise vaccine distribution to prevent further spread and save lives. Africa’s health and safety depend on swift and equitable access to these vaccines.
