WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency for the Second Time in Two Years
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following the spread of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to neighboring countries. This latest declaration signals the increasing urgency of the situation, as a new and potentially more deadly strain of the virus, known as clade 1b, has been identified in Africa and has also been confirmed outside of the continent, specifically in Thailand. With cases rising and concerns growing, health officials are working to contain this new outbreak and ensure access to treatments and vaccines.
Key Takeaways:
- A Deadlier Strain: The current outbreak is driven by clade 1b, a new offshoot of clade 1, which is spreading more easily and has a higher fatality rate compared to the earlier clade 2 strain identified in the 2022 outbreak.
- Global Spread: Cases of clade 1b have been reported in several African countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Thailand. Cases of clade 1 have been identified in the Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, and Sweden. Milder clade 2 cases have been reported in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
- Urgent Response Needed: The WHO’s Public Health Emergency of International Concern designation highlights the need for a coordinated global response to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
- Limited Vaccine Access: While vaccines are available, access remains an issue, particularly for affected countries in Africa. The WHO is working with countries and vaccine manufacturers to increase access.
- Not the New COVID: While the situation is serious, WHO regional director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, has stressed that mpox is "not the new Covid," emphasizing that the risk to the general population remains low.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact, including sexual contact. It can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and lesions filled with pus. While usually mild, it can be fatal.
There are two distinct types of mpox, known as clades, with the latest outbreak identified as clade 1. The current clade 1b strain appears to spread more easily and has a higher fatality rate compared to the clade 2 strain associated with the 2022 outbreak. It also appears to disproportionately affect young people, with most deaths occurring among children.
Why are Cases Rising?
The recent increase in cases is attributed to the emergence of clade 1b, which is spreading rapidly through person-to-person transmission, often through sexual contact. While first identified in 2024, it is believed to have originated in the DRC around 2023.
The WHO notes that the outbreak associated with clade 1b in the DRC primarily affects adults, and its spread is sustained largely, but not exclusively, through transmission linked to sexual contact and amplified in networks associated with commercial sex and sex workers.
Where are the Cases?
The primary focus of the outbreak is the DRC, with cases of clade 1b also identified in neighboring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Thailand.
Cases of clade 1 have been reported in the Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, and Sweden.
Cases linked to the milder clade 2 have been reported in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
What Does the WHO Declaration Mean?
The "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" designation is the WHO’s highest level of alert and aims to accelerate international public health measures and cooperation to contain a disease. This declaration signifies the seriousness of the current outbreak and highlights the need for a prompt and coordinated response from countries worldwide.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of the situation by stating that "it’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives." He also highlighted the concerning aspects of the outbreak, including the detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighboring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond.
However, despite the seriousness of the situation, WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, reiterated that Mpox is not the new Covid, reassuring the public that the risk to the general population remains low. He emphasized the importance of collaborative action across regions and continents to effectively tackle the mpox challenge.
What are Authorities Doing?
While vaccines are available, access remains a significant challenge. The WHO is working with countries and vaccine manufacturers to ensure access for affected countries. They have already released contingency funds and are expecting an immediate funding requirement of $15 million for their response plan.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has partnered with vaccine maker Bavarian Nordic to deliver 2 million doses this year and 10 million by the end of 2025. Bavarian Nordic has also been supplying vaccines to countries outside of Africa and is seeking approval from the European Union’s drug regulator to extend the use of its mpox vaccine for teenagers.
Conclusion
The WHO’s declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency underscores the seriousness of the current outbreak and emphasizes the need for a coordinated international response. With the emergence of a potentially more deadly strain and the potential for further spread, authorities are working diligently to contain the outbreak, improve access to vaccines and treatments, and ensure a swift and effective global response.
