Monkeypox Outbreak Spreads in Africa, Global Emergency Declared
A devastating outbreak of monkeypox is spreading rapidly in Africa, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a global emergency on Wednesday. The virus, which can kill up to 10% of those infected, has already caused more than 500 deaths and is reported in over a dozen countries.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, medical teams are working tirelessly to identify and isolate monkeypox patients in the city of Goma. According to Dr. Rachel Maguru, General Practitioner at Goma Provincial Hospital and Head of the Multi-Epidemic Center, the number of cases has risen significantly in just a few days, with nine confirmed cases reported from August 9 to the present.
“We have a large number of cases. The cases are increasing. The mortality rate is higher than we would tolerate. And then the thought is that new countries are now starting to report cases,” said Prof. Salim Abdool Karim, chair of the Emergency Consultative Group for the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “So these are countries that didn’t have cases in the last few years and now reporting cases. And several of them are reporting cases of the variant of mpox that is just being spread in the DRC.”
The new form of the virus is particularly concerning because it causes milder symptoms and lesions on the genitals, making it harder to spot and spread. This means that people may unknowingly infect others without showing any symptoms themselves.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the outbreak a public health emergency, calling for international help to stop the virus’ spread. Medical staff are worried that those with symptoms may refrain from seeking treatment, fearing isolation, which could lead to a cascade of infections.
The WHO has advised countries to take immediate action to detect and respond to the outbreak, including enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that the international community comes together to support Africa in containing this outbreak and preventing further spread of the virus.
