The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international health emergency in response to a significant outbreak of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This marks the second time in recent years that the WHO has taken this step, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The current outbreak, caused by the more dangerous clade I virus, has been spreading rapidly and posing a serious threat to public health in the region.
Background of the Outbreak
The mpox outbreak in the DRC began in January 2023 and has since escalated, with over 22,000 suspected cases and more than 1,200 deaths reported. Unlike the previous outbreak, which was caused by the relatively mild clade II virus, the current outbreak is driven by the more lethal clade I virus. This strain of the virus is known to cause more severe disease and higher mortality rates, making it a cause for concern among health authorities.
The outbreak has not been limited to the DRC, as it has spread to neighboring countries including Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. This cross-border transmission has raised alarm bells among international health organizations, prompting the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) to coordinate a global response to the crisis.
Response and Coordination
In response to the escalating crisis, the WHO convened an emergency committee to assess the situation and make recommendations on how to contain the outbreak. The committee, comprised of experts from affected countries and independent international experts, concluded that the situation warranted the declaration of a PHEIC. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus endorsed the committee’s decision, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international effort to halt the spread of the virus and save lives.
Dr. Tedros highlighted the emergence of a new clade of mpox and its rapid spread in eastern DRC as key reasons for the PHEIC declaration. The reporting of cases in multiple neighboring countries further underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for a unified response. The declaration of a PHEIC is intended to mobilize resources, expertise, and support from around the world to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Regional and Global Impact
The mpox outbreak in central and eastern Africa has raised concerns about the potential for the virus to spread to other regions, including the United States. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have assessed the risk to the US public as “very low” due to limited and no direct travel between the US and the epicenter of the outbreak. As of now, no cases of the clade I virus have been detected outside of central and eastern Africa.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also declared a similar emergency in response to the outbreak, signaling a united front in the fight against the virus. Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to contain the outbreak and protect communities from the spread of the virus. The declaration will enable African countries to strengthen their health systems, educate their populations, and deliver life-saving interventions where they are most needed.
In conclusion, the declaration of a PHEIC by the WHO underscores the severity of the mpox outbreak in central and eastern Africa and the need for a coordinated global response to contain the virus. The situation remains fluid, with new cases being reported daily and the virus continuing to spread across borders. It is crucial for all countries to work together to stop the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
