Mpox Outbreak Escalates in Africa, WHO Declares Global Emergency

In a concerning turn of events, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox, now known as mpox, a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

This decision comes as a new variant of the virus, clade Ib, rapidly spreads across Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries.

The outbreak has already resulted in over 17,000 suspected cases and more than 500 deaths across the African continent this year, reflecting a staggering 160% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The emergence of the clade Ib variant, known for its heightened transmissibility and association with a higher case fatality rate, has raised serious concerns among health officials.

In response to the outbreak, the European Commission has pledged to send over 175,000 vaccines to the Africa CDC, with additional donations from the Danish drugmaker Bavarian Nordic. These vaccines will be prioritized for high-risk groups, including individuals with compromised immune systems and frontline health workers. However, experts warn that the available vaccines may not be sufficient to cover all at-risk populations, underscoring the need for further donations and support.

While the risk of widespread mpox transmission in Europe remains low, health authorities closely monitor the situation, as the first case has already been registered in Sweden.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is collaborating with the African CDC and other partners to enhance testing and surveillance in response to the outbreak. In Ireland, six cases of mpox were reported in 2024, all linked to the less severe clade II variant, with no cases of the more concerning clade Ib detected so far.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for health authorities in Europe and beyond to remain vigilant and prepared. Public awareness and understanding of mpox are essential as efforts continue to combat this outbreak and protect vulnerable populations worldwide.