MPOX TRACKER

On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the rapid spread of a new, virulent mpox strain across Africa a "public health emergency of international concern." This marks the second such declaration for mpox in two years, underscoring the evolving nature of the threat.

Key aspects of the current outbreak:

1. New Strain: Originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where mpox has been endemic for decades, this new strain is more virulent and has spread rapidly to neighboring countries.

2. Scale: Over a dozen African countries have reported outbreaks in 2024, with more than 17,000 suspected cases and 724 confirmed deaths across the continent.

3. Epicenter: The DRC accounts for over 96% of all cases and deaths, with a significant number of children affected.

4. Contrast to 2022: Unlike the 2022 outbreak, which primarily affected gay and bisexual men, this crisis is unfolding in a different, more alarming pattern.

About Mpox:
- Caused by the monkeypox virus
- Symptoms include a painful rash lasting 2-4 weeks, often accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes
- The rash can affect various body parts, with sores ranging from one to thousands
- While most people fully recover, some can become seriously ill, and the infection can be fatal

The rapid spread and virulence of this new strain have raised significant concerns in the global health community. Its impact on children and its potential for further spread beyond current affected areas are particularly worrying.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in global infectious disease control and the importance of robust surveillance and response systems. As the outbreak evolves, international cooperation and support for affected regions will be crucial in containing the spread and mitigating its impact on vulnerable populations.