Should we be more wary of Monkeypox? This is a question that can legitimately be asked when reading a relatively unnoticed communication from the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The alert, relayed by the Congolese government on July 20, reported an «exponential increase» in the number of cases of Monkeypox or Mpox, according to the new terminology. In the DRC, strain I has been prevalent for decades, while a less severe strain II circulates mainly in West Africa.
This year, «the cumulative total is 11,166 suspected cases, including 450 deaths, resulting in a 4% fatality rate,» said government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, noting that the Equateur province in the west of the country is currently the most affected. «There is a risk of the virus crossing borders as it continues to spread,» said Rosamund Lewis, a specialist in «Monkeypox» at the WHO. «Medical care, contact tracing in respective health zones, and the promotion of community-based surveillance» are some of the measures already taken by the Congolese government to try to contain the epidemic.
What’s concerning is that there are several elements that are worrying, to the point where the World Health Organization (WHO) fears the emergence of a global epidemic, as South Africa recently reported 20 cases, including three fatalities. Unlike previous epidemics, the virus seems to be transmitted through heterosexual contact in the East of the country, a region that was relatively spared until recently. Previously, the disease in the DRC was mainly transmitted through contact with wild animals (zoonotic transmission) and limited human-to-human transmission through close contacts within the families of patients.
In the DRC, this virus has already caused the deaths of children. «There have been a large number of transmissions between mothers – or caregivers – and children,» emphasized Trudie Lang, a professor of global health research at the University of Oxford. «Strain I and now also strain Ib cause a systemic disease with vesicular skin rashes spread over the entire body,» says Emmanuel Bottieau, a professor of tropical medicine at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp.
In Europe, researchers are concerned that this new strain (Ib) may spread to other countries, prompting alerts from institutions like the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp and the WHO. All states should prepare «before it’s too late,» said Jean-Claude Udahemuka, a researcher at the University of Rwanda studying this outbreak. In Europe, during the summer of 2022, there was a global epidemic peak of Mpox caused by strain IIb with hundreds of cases in several European countries, including Belgium.
The WHO is right to raise alarm about Monkeypox, and it’s essential to remain vigilant and cautious, especially when considering travel to affected regions. While the mortality rate of Monkeypox is lower than Ebola, it is still a concern, particularly for vulnerable populations in tropical regions. The outbreak of Monkeypox is not showing signs of slowing down, with thousands of suspected cases and hundreds of deaths reported.
Monkeypox is a disease that continues to pose a threat, and efforts to control and prevent its spread are crucial. As the situation evolves, it is important for governments and health organizations to work together to address the challenges posed by this infectious disease. It is essential to stay informed, follow recommended guidelines, and take necessary precautions to protect oneself and others from the risks associated with Monkeypox.