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World Health Organization Warns of Global Mpox Risk with Over 13,000 Cases in Congo
The World Health Organization (WHO) is ringing alarm bells over a major Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since January, the UN organization in Geneva has reported more than 13,000 suspected cases and over 600 deaths related to the disease, formerly known as monkeypox, in Congo.
WHO expert Rosamund Lewis warns that the Mpox outbreak in Congo poses a risk to people not only in DRC but also in neighboring countries and worldwide. In response, WHO is collaborating with Congolese authorities to increase testing capacities and bring vaccines into the country.
An unparalleled concern arises due to sexual transmission being detected for the first time in Congo, leading to increasing spread in the country. The WHO is also worried about the regional spread of the viral disease across borders due to the many crossings between Congo and neighboring countries, according to Lewis.
The viral disease has already caused an international health emergency when another strain of the virus spread globally, primarily through sexual contact, starting from May 2022. There were thousands of cases in Germany, which led to the WHO's emergency declaration, which was later lifted in May.
Related:
Mpox viruses primarily spread through close physical contact, often leading to blisters and pustules on the skin.
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Remarkably, the current Mpox outbreak in the DRC is the largest since 1986, with over 45,652 clinically diagnosed and laboratory-confirmed cases reported from January 1, 2022, to August 18, 2024. Around 1,300 deaths have been linked to the outbreak. According to the WHO, the actual number of cases may be significantly higher.
Research suggests that the outbreak is primarily driven by sexual transmission in densely populated areas, such as bars. In a study published in The Lancet, 83% of cases in the DRC were found to be linked to sex work. The virus can also spread through heterosexual, non-sexual contact, such as from caregivers to children.
The WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the Mpox outbreak, citing the need for extended cross-border collaboration, health education strategies focusing on sex workers, contact tracing, clinical care, and surveillance to contain the spread. The WHO is providing guidance to countries affected by the outbreak and is coordinating a response with partners to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing the crisis.
The outbreak poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including young adults and pregnant women, as many have not received smallpox vaccination, which was discontinued decades ago in many areas of Africa. Pregnant women are at increased risk as well, with 14% of cases reported among pregnant women, and 8 of these women experiencing miscarriages after contracting Mpox.
There have been confirmed cases of the outbreak in at least 9 countries outside Africa, including the United States. This underscores the need for global coordination and targeted public health interventions to mitigate risks for vulnerable groups and control the outbreak.
