Muthomi Ireri
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreaks in Congo and other parts of Africa a global emergency, as cases have been confirmed in children and adults across more than a dozen countries. A new strain of the virus is also spreading, but the continent has limited access to vaccines.
Earlier this week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) classified the mpox outbreaks as a public health emergency, reporting over 500 deaths and urging international assistance to contain the virus.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern, stating, “This is something that should concern us all … The potential for further spread beyond Africa is very worrying.”
The Africa CDC reported that mpox, also known as monkeypox, has been identified in 13 countries this year, with Congo accounting for more than 96% of all cases and deaths. Compared to the same period last year, cases have increased by 160% and deaths by 19%.
To date, over 14,000 cases have been recorded, resulting in 524 deaths. Dimi Organa, chair of the mpox emergency committee, noted that infections have now been reported in countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Kenya, which had not seen cases in previous outbreaks.
In the global 2022 mpox outbreak, which affected more than 70 countries, the fatality rate was less than 1%.
Dj Vnyash
