WHO Raises Alarm Over New Mpox Variant as Cases Surge Across Africa

Geneva, Switzerland: The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again declared mpox a global public health emergency, marking the second time in two years that the viral infection has reached this level of concern. This latest declaration follows an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has begun to affect neighboring countries.

Mpox, which is primarily spread through close contact, typically presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the skin. While the infection is usually mild, it can be fatal in rare instances. The WHO’s decision to label an outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC) reflects the urgency of the situation. Such a designation can mobilize research efforts, unlock funding, and foster international collaboration aimed at containing the spread of the disease.

The outbreak in the DRC originated from an endemic strain known as clade I. However, a new variant, clade Ib, which appears to be more easily transmissible through routine close contact, including sexual contact, has since emerged. This variant has spread beyond the DRC to countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting the WHO to take action.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of a coordinated international response to curb the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.

Earlier this week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also declared an mpox emergency for the continent, citing an alarming increase in the spread of the virus. According to the Africa CDC, over 17,000 suspected mpox cases and 517 deaths have been reported across the continent this year alone, representing a 160% surge compared to the same period last year. So far, 13 African countries have reported cases.

This outbreak follows a different variant of the mpox virus, clade IIb, which spread globally in 2022, primarily through sexual contact among men who have sex with men. That outbreak also led the WHO to declare a public health emergency, which was later lifted after 10 months.