Experts Warn Against 'Most Dangerous' Mpox Strain Spreading in Democratic Republic of the Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Tuesday (Jun 25) regarding the urgent need to address the spread of a 'dangerous strain' of mpox in Africa. The experts highlighted the emergence of a modified strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has raised serious concerns.
Health Crisis in Africa
Rosamund Lewis, the technical lead for mpox at WHO, emphasized the critical need to tackle the recent surge in mpox cases across Africa. The viral illness is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials, causing painful lesions on the face, anus, and genitals. Common symptoms include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
New Deadly Strain
Health experts managing the outbreak have called for immediate action to contain the spread of the new, highly dangerous strain of mpox. This modified strain, belonging to the clade I mpox, has been endemic in the Congo for decades, with mortality rates of around 10% for children and 5% for adults.
Urgent Measures Required
John Claude Udahemuka from the University of Rwanda labeled the new strain as the most perilous among all known variants due to its mode of transmission, spread, and symptoms. The strain, first identified in Kamituga, South Kivu province, has rapidly spread to neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.
Rapid Spread and High Mortality
Cris Kacita, overseeing the mpox control program in Congo, revealed that over 8,600 mpox cases and 410 deaths have been reported this year. The situation remains concerning as the disease continues to evolve and pose a significant public health threat.
In a global context, mpox was initially detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, primarily affecting West and Central African nations. However, a surge in infections in May 2022, particularly among men who have sex with men, prompted WHO to declare it a global health emergency.
The recent escalation of the deadly mpox strain in Congo underscores the pressing need for swift and coordinated efforts to curb its spread and prevent further casualties.