Africa Faces Mpox Outbreak Emergency, Urgently Needs Vaccines

A health worker attends to a mpox patient, at a treatment centre in Munigi, eastern Congo, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. Congo will receive the first vaccine doses to address its mpox outbreak next week from

Recent reports from Congo have highlighted a concerning rise in mpox cases, with over 1,000 new cases recorded in the past week alone. Mpox, a virus related to smallpox, presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches, primarily spreading through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse. In severe cases, individuals may develop lesions on various parts of the body.

While mpox outbreaks have been reported in 12 African countries, Congo has been the hardest hit, with 94% of the total 18,910 cases reported in 2024 occurring in the country. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that out of the 541 deaths reported, 535 were in Congo. However, these figures are likely underestimated due to limited testing and surveillance capabilities in many affected African nations.

The World Health Organization has declared the mpox outbreaks in Africa a global emergency, particularly concerning a new, potentially more transmissible variant identified in Congo. This declaration aims to mobilize support and resources to curb the spread of the virus before it escalates further. Efforts to secure vaccines have seen some progress, with pledges from the European Union, the United States, and Japan, but the demand for vaccines remains high.

Mpox symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and skin lesions.

Mpox cases rising in Congo, with over 1,000 new cases in a week.

Spread primarily through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse.

Congo hardest hit, with 94% of total cases and 535 out of 541 deaths.

Africa CDC's director-general emphasized the need for solidarity and equitable access to mpox diagnostics and vaccines, highlighting the disparities in global vaccine distribution. The international community has been urged to provide adequate support without resorting to travel bans that could isolate African countries. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has recommended vaccination for travelers to mpox-affected areas to mitigate the risk of transmission.

As the mpox situation continues to evolve, there is a growing call for collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by the virus. With cases on the rise and limited resources available, timely intervention and support are crucial to containing the outbreaks and preventing further spread.