The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa, particularly in Congo, a global health emergency, as the virus spreads to over a dozen countries, causing more than 14,000 infections and 500 deaths. Unlike COVID-19, mpox is primarily transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, making it less likely to cause a pandemic. Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and practicing good hygiene.
The majority of cases and deaths are concentrated in Congo, where the healthcare system is overwhelmed. Despite Congo’s request for 4 million vaccines, none have been delivered, highlighting a critical gap in global support. While vaccines and treatments for mpox are available, experts stress the need for international investment to prevent further spread, especially in Africa.
Though cases are likely to rise in other regions due to travel, the risk of large-scale outbreaks outside of Africa remains low. With proper global assistance, the mpox outbreaks can be controlled, avoiding a wider health crisis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa a global health emergency. The virus, previously known as monkeypox, is now spreading to more than a dozen countries, and cases have been confirmed among both children and adults. With over 14,000 infections and more than 500 deaths reported, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also labeled this situation a public health emergency, urging international assistance.
Mpox is not expected to cause another pandemic. Unlike COVID-19, which spread rapidly through airborne transmission, mpox is transmitted primarily through close skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials like clothing and bedsheets. The presence of visible skin lesions in mpox patients makes it easier to avoid close contact, reducing the risk of widespread transmission. Experts advise avoiding direct contact with infected individuals, not sharing personal items like utensils and clothes, and practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand-washing.
While more cases of mpox are likely to appear in Europe and other regions due to travel, the risk of large-scale outbreaks in countries without ongoing mpox transmission is low. For example, Europe’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has warned that more imported cases from Africa are probable, but the likelihood of local outbreaks remains minimal.
Mpox differs from COVID-19 in several key ways. COVID-19 spread very quickly after it was first identified in China, with case numbers jumping from hundreds to thousands in a matter of weeks. By March 2020, three months after its emergence, COVID-19 had caused over 126,000 infections and more than 4,600 deaths worldwide. In contrast, mpox has taken over two years to reach nearly 100,000 cases globally, with about 200 deaths.
Fortunately, there are vaccines and treatments available for mpox, which was not the case in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of Duke University’s Global Health Institute, stated that “we have what we need to stop mpox,” emphasizing that vaccines and antiviral treatments can help control the virus.
Despite the availability of vaccines, the current situation in Africa is concerning. The majority of mpox cases (96%) and deaths are concentrated in Congo, a country facing severe challenges such as malnutrition, cholera, and measles. Congo’s health system is overwhelmed, and although officials requested 4 million vaccines, none have been delivered so far. Africa as a whole has received little to no vaccine support, even after WHO declared mpox a global emergency in 2022.
Experts believe that international investment is crucial to stop the spread of mpox, especially in Africa. By focusing efforts on addressing the outbreaks in Congo and other affected regions, the global community can prevent further escalation of the virus and ensure it does not become a more widespread crisis.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease primarily spread through close skin-to-skin contact or exposure to contaminated items like clothing or bedsheets. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa a global health emergency, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. With more than 14,000 cases and over 500 deaths, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also called it a public health emergency, urging international assistance.
Despite concerns, experts believe that mpox is unlikely to trigger another pandemic. Unlike COVID-19, which spreads quickly through airborne transmission, mpox requires close physical contact to be transmitted. Visible skin lesions in mpox patients make it easier for people to avoid contact, significantly lowering the chances of rapid community spread. Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals, not sharing personal items, and practicing good hygiene, such as hand-washing.
As of now, Europe’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported imported mpox cases, with the first European case of a new form of the virus identified in Sweden. More cases are likely to be imported from Africa, but the risk of large-scale outbreaks in Europe and other regions remains low.
One key difference between mpox and COVID-19 is the pace of transmission. While COVID-19 spread exponentially within a few months, mpox cases have accumulated more slowly over two years. Since the 2022 global outbreak, there have been nearly 100,000 mpox cases and about 200 deaths. Vaccines and treatments are available for mpox, unlike during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when no vaccines or antivirals existed.
The majority of mpox cases (96%) and deaths are occurring in Congo, a country with a severely strained healthcare system. Despite requests from Congolese officials for 4 million vaccines, none have been delivered. This highlights a critical issue of unequal access to resources, as African countries have received little to no vaccine support even after the WHO’s global emergency declaration in 2022.
Health experts stress the importance of international investment to curb the virus’s spread, particularly in Africa. Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of Duke University’s Global Health Institute, noted that “we have what we need to stop mpox,” emphasizing that vaccination and treatment efforts are essential to controlling the outbreaks. Addressing the situation in Congo and other affected areas in Africa is crucial to preventing the virus from spreading further or becoming a bigger global issue.
In conclusion, while mpox is a serious health concern, it is unlikely to lead to a pandemic like COVID-19. The slower transmission rate, availability of vaccines, and targeted prevention measures can help contain the virus if the necessary resources and support are provided, especially to hard-hit areas like Congo.