PrintShare
In 2023, a new variant of the monkeypox virus was discovered in the Congo. The Mpox virus has since spread rapidly in Africa. There is an urgent need for vaccines.
Geneva – A renewed outbreak of Mpox is currently alarming the scientific and medical communities. The number of cases has surged dramatically; since the beginning of the year, almost 19,000 people have been infected with the virus, which is more commonly referred to as “monkeypox.” Recently, nearly 1,400 people became ill in just one week (as of August 20). The World Health Organization (WHO) has reacted by declaring a global emergency.
New Mpox Outbreak Raises Concerns – WHO Declares Global Emergency
The infection is mainly concentrated in Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has reported nearly 17,800 cases. A total of 541 patients have died from the disease since the beginning of the year. The WHO has classified the situation as a “public health emergency of international concern” since the beginning of the year.
Sweden recently reported the first case of the new Mpox variant in Europe. This has heightened fears of a new global pandemic for many, especially since parallels have been drawn to the COVID outbreak.
New Monkeypox Outbreak: How the Mpox Virus Manifests in Infected Individuals
The symptoms of Mpox resemble those of classic smallpox, but the illness typically runs a milder course. Symptoms can include nonspecific signs like fever, chills, muscle pain, headaches, general fatigue, or joint pain. In more than half of the cases, there is often painful swelling of the lymph nodes.
Source: RKI
The WHO is particularly concerned about the vaccination situation. Although there are two vaccines available, there are not nearly enough doses, especially in the at-risk regions in Africa. In eastern Congo, where a armed conflict has been ongoing for years, hundreds of thousands of people are living as internally displaced persons in very close quarters. This has created a worrying situation, according to experts. The virus could spread rapidly there, the health authority CDC Africa has warned, which is in close communication with the WHO. Hygiene measures are likely to be difficult to maintain.
WHO’s Call for Help: Without Vaccine Doses from Donor Countries, Virus Could Escalate Dramatically
The highest alert level (public health emergency of international concern, or PHEIC) declared by the WHO is therefore primarily a call for help. Authorities worldwide are meant to be on heightened alert and work together to bring the infection situation under control. Only in this way can affected countries take and intensify further measures, as explained by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on its website.
In Central Africa, particularly in the Congo, there is currently an outbreak of monkeypox. The WHO warns about the situation on the ground – there is a lack of crucial vaccines that could contain the spread. © Moses Sawasawa/dpa
The organization is primarily appealing to countries where there is currently little to no risk to provide vaccine doses. A shipment from the USA is expected to arrive in the Congo soon, and help is also hoped from Japan, where one of the two vaccines is manufactured. The EU has already announced 175,000 doses, as reported by Spiegel.
However, even with vaccination, the risk may still be high. In the past, authorities in Europe reported an infection case, despite the recommended double vaccination being in place. According to the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) in Berlin, this is not unusual. They indicated that the vaccine effectiveness, even after two vaccinations, is at 66 percent, significantly reducing the risk of infection but not eliminating it, as Ärzteblatt reported at that time.
Global Mpox Outbreak – RKI Provides All-Clear for Germany
The WHO had already declared a global emergency due to Mpox back in 2022 after cases were detected in more than 60 countries during the summer. Until then, the virus had only been known in Africa. During the global outbreak two years ago, infections in Germany also increased. Since then, 3,800 cases of monkeypox have been reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) from all 16 federal states (as of August 9, 2024).
Those infections were traced back to Clade II, which causes less severe disease courses. The current outbreak is likely linked to a new Mpox variant, a subline of Mpox Clade I, discovered in the Congo at the end of 2023 and considered “undoubtedly extremely dangerous.” The last monkeypox cases in Germany were detected in 2023.
Neither the RKI nor top virologist Dr. Hendrik Streeck currently in Germany see cause for concern, especially because there are sufficient vaccines available in the country. Since mid-2022, the smallpox vaccine Imvanex has been approved in the European Union, which can also be used for the protection against monkeypox. The virus is related to classical human smallpox viruses (Variola). Thus, there is currently no increased risk; the situation is being monitored very closely and recommendations will be adjusted as necessary, according to the RKI. (rku)
Emerging Trends in Public Health: The Rise of Mpox and Global Health Responses
The recent outbreak of the Mpox virus, commonly known as monkeypox, has raised significant concerns within public health circles. As over 19,000 infections have been reported globally since the beginning of 2023, the urgency for effective vaccination strategies intensifies. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this situation as a public health emergency of international concern, prompting a worldwide rally for resources and attention.
Increased Global Monitoring and Preparedness
Countries around the world are likely to enhance their surveillance systems to detect outbreaks early and efficiently. The parallels drawn between Mpox and previous pandemics, particularly COVID-19, suggest that nations will invest more in preparedness strategies. Early detection, rapid response, and effective communication will become cornerstone strategies in managing such public health threats.
Vaccine Development and Distribution Challenges
Despite the availability of two vaccines for Mpox, the distribution remains a critical issue, especially in high-risk regions like Central Africa. Countries with ample resources are expected to increase their support and supply of vaccines to areas most affected. Logistics and equitable distribution will be pivotal challenges that health organizations must address to combat the spread of Mpox effectively.
The Role of Technology in Health Responses
The integration of technology in health responses is poised to become more prominent. Real-time data collection, contact tracing applications, and telemedicine will likely be utilized to monitor outbreaks and provide healthcare access efficiently. As health authorities strive for timely responses, digital tools may offer significant support in tracking and managing the spread of infectious diseases like Mpox.
Public Awareness and Education Initiatives
Heightened public awareness campaigns will be essential in educating communities about Mpox transmission and prevention. This will likely include information on the effectiveness of vaccines and the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms arise. Communities will play a significant role in the overall response to outbreaks, advocating for vaccination and practicing preventive measures.