“Monkeypox” Emerges as a Global Threat with Over 450 Deaths

On August 14, 2024, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus officially declared the MPOX outbreak in parts of Africa as a “public health emergency of international concern.” The declaration followed a state of emergency announcement by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on August 13, highlighting the severity of the crisis. 

The current outbreak, which originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in over 13,700 infections and more than 450 deaths. The virus has since spread to neighboring countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda, amplifying the need for immediate and comprehensive disease control measures. 

Two Dangerous Strains: Clade 1 and Clade 2 

MPOX is categorized into two primary strains: Clade 1 and Clade 2. While the Clade 2 strain, which was the focus of the 2022 outbreak, spread to more than 100 countries and caused over 87,000 infections with 140 deaths (a mortality rate of approximately 4%), it was considered less severe. That outbreak predominantly affected LGBTQ communities and was managed through targeted vaccinations. 

In contrast, the current outbreak involves the more lethal Clade 1 strain, with a mortality rate reaching up to 10%. Scientists have identified a mutation in the virus, which occurred in September last year, leading to the emergence of a new, highly transmissible Clade 1b strain—now recognized as the most dangerous strain of MPOX ever encountered. 

Symptoms and Transmission 

MPOX primarily spreads through close contact, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets from talking or breathing, and sexual intercourse. Infected individuals typically present with flu-like symptoms, followed by the appearance of blisters on the body. These symptoms can escalate, leading to severe health complications and, in many cases, death. 

Global Implications and the Need for Action 

The rapid spread of MPOX across Central and East Africa underscores the urgent need for global vigilance and coordinated public health interventions. As the virus continues to wreak havoc, particularly in areas with limited healthcare resources, international support and effective disease control measures are crucial to curbing the outbreak and preventing further loss of life. 

The WHO and Africa CDC are urging countries worldwide to monitor the situation closely and implement preventive measures, including public health education, vaccination, and enhanced surveillance, to mitigate the spread of this deadly virus. 

Source: Thai Health Promotion Foundation  

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