What is MPOX, in which countries is it present and how can you get infected with it?

World Health Organization (WHO) MPox outbreak declared A public health emergency of international concern has emerged in parts of Africa.

The highly contagious disease, formerly known as monkeypox, has killed at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The virus that causes smallpox is in the same family but is generally much less harmful.

It was originally transmitted from animals to humans, but is now also spreading from person to person.

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, swelling, back pain and muscle aches.

Once the fever is gone, a rash appears. It usually starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The rash can be very itchy or painful, change and go through different stages before scabbing and falling off. It may leave scars.

The infection may clear up on its own, lasting 14 to 21 days.

But in some cases it can be deadly, especially to vulnerable people, including young children.

In severe cases, the lesions may affect the entire body, especially the mouth, eyes, and genitals.

Salmonella typhi is most commonly found in remote villages in the rainforests of West and Central Africa, where it has been present for many years in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In these areas, thousands of people are infected with Ebola and hundreds die each year, with children under the age of 15 being the hardest hit.

Currently, multiple different outbreaks are occurring simultaneously, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries.

The disease has recently appeared in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, places where it is not usually prevalent.

There are roughly two main types of mpox – clade 1 (generally more severe) and clade 2.

The Clade 1 virus, which has caused sporadic outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for decades, is spreading.

Some types of type 1 ramifications appear to affect children more than adults.

The real reason for concern is that many of the people who were infected last year were infected with a relatively new and more severe type of MPox, known as Clade 1b.

Experts say there’s still a lot to learn about the 1b strain, but it may be more easily spread and cause more severe illness.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there were more than 14,500 cases of MPOX infection and more than 450 MPOX deaths in Africa from the beginning of 2024 to the end of July. Compared with the same period in 2023, the number of infections increased by 160% and the number of deaths increased by 19%.

The last mpox public health emergency was declared in 2022 and was caused by the relatively mild Clade 2.

The outbreak has spread to nearly 100 countries that don’t normally see the virus, including some in Europe and Asia, but has been brought under control by vaccinating vulnerable groups.

Poxviruses spread from person to person through close contact with an infected person – including through sex, skin-to-skin contact, and talking or breathing near a sick person.

The virus can enter the body through broken skin, respiratory tract or eyes, nose or mouth.

It can also be spread through contact with objects contaminated with the virus, such as bedding, clothing, and towels.

Close contact with infected animals (such as monkeys, rats, and squirrels) is another way.

During the global epidemic in 2022, the virus was mainly transmitted through sexual contact.

The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is caused by sexual contact and other forms of close contact.

The condition has also been found in other vulnerable groups, including young children.

Anyone who comes in close contact with someone who has symptoms could be infected with the virus, including health care workers and family members.

Sexual contact between infected adults is thought to be one reason for the increase in cases.

Experts are studying the situation to gain further insight into who is most at risk.

Young children may be among the particularly vulnerable groups because their immune systems are still developing and many children in the region are malnourished, making it more difficult for them to fight off illness.

Some experts believe younger children may be at risk because of the way they play and interact closely with each other.

They also cannot get the smallpox vaccine, which was discontinued more than four decades ago and might have offered some protection to older people.

People with weakened immune systems are also more susceptible to the disease, and there are concerns that pregnant women may be at greater risk.

It is recommended to avoid close contact with anyone who has mpox and wash your hands with soap and water if the virus is present in your community.

People with mpox should be isolated from other people until all lesions are gone.

The World Health Organization says condoms should be used as a preventive measure during sex for 12 weeks after recovery.

While vaccines exist, they are usually only given to people at high risk or those who have had close contact with an infected person.

There is a real concern that there won’t be enough money to get the vaccine to everyone who wants it.

The WHO recently asked drug manufacturers to propose their MPox vaccines for emergency use, even if they have not yet been formally approved.

Now, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared a public health emergency on the continent, hoping that governments can better coordinate their responses and increase medical supplies and aid to the affected areas as much as possible.

Without global action, there are concerns that the current outbreak could spread beyond the African continent.