The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert regarding a more lethal strain of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, which is currently spreading across parts of Africa. This alert follows the World Health Organization's declaration of a public health emergency, emphasizing the urgent need for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant for symptoms in patients who have traveled to affected regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia.
The new strain, clade 1, has a higher fatality rate of nearly 4%, compared to less than 1% for the previously circulating clade 2. The CDC notes a significant number of cases reported in children under 15 years of age, raising alarms about the vulnerability of this population. The situation is further exacerbated by a rise in cases in neighboring countries, including Kenya and Uganda, where the more lethal variant has been detected, raising fears of a potential global outbreak.
Health authorities in Africa are mobilizing resources to combat the mpox outbreak, with the African Union allocating $10.4 million to support efforts across the continent. Despite the availability of vaccines effective against both clades, there is an urgent need for more funding and comprehensive responses to prevent further transmission. The WHO has highlighted the importance of community awareness and education to address the stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease, particularly in regions where cultural beliefs complicate treatment and detection.
