Understanding MPOX: The Latest Public Health Emergency Explained
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared a global health emergency due to a new strain of mpox that is rapidly spreading across Africa. This disease, formerly known as monkeypox, has already caused thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this year. The infection has now started to spread to neighboring countries in East and Central Africa, raising concerns among scientists about its rapid transmission and high fatality rate.
History of MPOX
Mpox is a viral infection that primarily spreads through close contact. It was first identified in 1958 at the Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen when outbreaks of a “pox-like” disease were observed in monkeys used for research. The first human case was confirmed in 1970 when a nine-year-old boy in the DRC developed a rash resembling smallpox.
Scientists have identified two major strains or clades of mpox in Africa. The current outbreak is driven by clade 1b, which has a higher mortality rate compared to the strain that led to the first global emergency in 2022. The mortality rate for clade 1b is estimated to be as high as five percent in adults and ten percent in children.
Symptoms and Transmission
Symptoms of mpox include high fever, headaches, muscle aches, swollen glands, and exhaustion. A rash typically appears on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals and anus. The lesions are painful and can lead to intense itching during the healing phase.
The disease can last two to four weeks, and patients remain infectious until their symptoms start to improve. Severe cases may result in blood in the stools, rectal pain, pneumonia, bacterial infections of the lesions, sepsis, inflammation of the heart muscle, brain inflammation, seizures, and even blindness if lesions develop on the eyelids.
Children and young adults, especially those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of severe disease. Pregnant women face severe risks, including congenital infection and pregnancy loss. Transmission of mpox occurs through skin-to-skin contact, sharing of towels, clothing, or bedding with an infected person, and other forms of close contact.
Global Health Emergency Declaration
The WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) due to the rapid spread of mpox in new and unusual ways. This declaration aims to mobilize international cooperation and funding to combat the outbreak. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also labeled the situation as an emergency.
The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to prevent further spread of the disease within Africa and beyond. He highlighted the urgency of stopping the outbreak to save lives.
Previous Outbreaks and Vaccines
Mpox was previously declared a PHEIC in May 2022 when it triggered outbreaks in over 100 countries worldwide. The disease typically spreads in central and western Africa through wild rodents and primates, without crossing borders. By August of that year, there were over 100,000 cases and 200 deaths reported.
Three vaccines protect against mpox: MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac, all originating from smallpox vaccines. The close relationship between the two viruses has led to the hypothesis that declining immunity to smallpox has contributed to the resurgence of mpox. MVA-BN and LC16 are the most commonly used vaccines, with LC16 being approved for children.
Challenges in Vaccine Distribution
Vaccine supplies in the DRC remain limited, with only clinical trial participants having access currently. The African Union has approved emergency funding to secure three million doses of the vaccine, but only 65,000 doses are expected to be available in the short term. Vaccination campaigns are unlikely to begin until at least October, posing challenges in distribution and administration.
The effectiveness of vaccines against different clades of mpox is still being studied. While data on clade-specific vaccine effectiveness is limited, experts believe that the vaccines should offer protection against clade one due to the high similarity between the strains. Recent studies indicate that the vaccines produce a robust immune response and protect healthcare workers in areas where clade one is prevalent.
Conclusion
The global health emergency declared by the WHO underscores the urgency of addressing the rapidly spreading mpox outbreak in Africa. Understanding the symptoms, transmission, history, and challenges related to vaccine distribution is crucial in combating the disease effectively. International cooperation and funding are essential to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family during this public health crisis.