What risks does the mpox virus pose? | Inside Story

Summary

The World Health Organization has declared its highest state of alert due to a surge in Empo virus infections, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but with cases now spreading globally. The disease, which is highly contagious and has a significant impact on children, has been detected in countries including Sweden and Pakistan. The challenges of vaccination in conflict zones, the importance of targeted vaccine distribution, and the need for international collaboration to manage the outbreak are highlighted in the discussion.

Takeaways

• 🚨 The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared its highest state of alert due to a surge in Empo virus infections, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• 🌍 The Empo virus has spread beyond the DRC, with cases reported in countries like Sweden and Pakistan, indicating the disease's contagious nature and international risk.
• 📈 Over 7 million people have been displaced in the DRC due to decades of conflict, leading to crowded living conditions that facilitate the rapid spread of the disease.
• 💉 Vaccination efforts in the DRC are challenging due to the large population, ongoing conflict, and a shortage of vaccines that are approved for global use.
• 🧬 Empo, previously known as monkeypox, was first detected in research monkeys in the 1950s and in humans in 1970; the recent strain appears to spread more easily.
• 👶 Infants and children are more at risk, with 75% of cases in children under 10, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic.
• 🏥 The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report Empo has been detected in 13 countries this year, with over 500 deaths.
• 🌱 The spread of Empo was slowed in 2022 within months due to vaccination programs and drugs in richer countries, emphasizing the need for similar efforts in African nations.
• 🤒 The primary symptoms of Empo include headache, fever, muscle pain, and pain in the groin, followed by the appearance of spots on the body.
• 🛑 The goal of treating Empo is to manage the rash, control pain, and prevent complications; vaccination can prevent infection and help curb the outbreak.
• 🤝 There is an urgent call for international support to provide vaccine supplies and aid to African nations to stop the spread of the virus, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in health emergencies.

Q & A

What is the embox virus and why has it triggered the World Health Organization's highest state of alert?

The embox virus, previously known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease that has surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), spreading beyond its borders and showing high contagiousness and international risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its highest state of alert due to the rapid spread of a new strain and its detection in neighboring countries that had not previously reported any types of monkeypox.

What are the challenges faced by the DRC in managing the embox virus outbreak?

The DRC faces challenges such as decades of conflict that have displaced over 7 million people, forcing them to live in crowded conditions where the disease can spread easily. Additionally, there is a shortage of vaccines, with only a small number approved for global use, and vaccination in a nation of 100 million people is a huge logistical challenge.

Which countries have reported embox virus cases outside the DRC?

Besides the DRC, Sweden and Pakistan have recorded embox virus infections. Sweden reported its first case, and health authorities in Pakistan detected a case in a passenger returning from the UAE.

What is the demographic most at risk from the embox virus according to the WHO?

Infants and children are more at risk, with 75% of cases being in children under 10 years old. Only 25% of cases are in adults between 15 and 50 years old.

How does the embox virus spread?

The embox virus spreads through close physical contact with an infected person or contaminated materials, as well as infected animals.

What is the current global situation regarding the availability of vaccines for the embox virus?

There are two main vaccines developed against smallpox that have been proven efficacious against the embox virus. One is called MVA, with 0.5 million doses available and potential for an additional 2.5 million doses by 2025. The other is lc16, which is not commercialized but has a considerable stockpile and is being facilitated for donation by the government of Japan.

What are the recommendations for handling the embox virus outbreak in terms of vaccination strategy?

The vaccines available should not be used for mass vaccination campaigns but should be targeted for high-risk individuals or those who have been in contact with a known case. Early vaccination can help prevent infection and curb the outbreak.

How does the ongoing conflict in the DRC affect the management of the embox virus outbreak?

The conflict in the DRC makes it difficult for people to access health centers for treatment and protection. It also hampers the establishment of safe conditions necessary for preventing the spread of the disease, leading to a crisis on top of a crisis.

What is the role of the international community in addressing the embox virus outbreak?

The international community is urged to step in immediately to provide more support, especially in camps for internally displaced people, to ensure proper hygiene promotion, early detection, surveillance, and necessary sanitation services.

What are the potential long-term implications of the embox virus outbreak if not controlled?

If not controlled, the embox virus could continue to spread within Africa and beyond, causing further health emergencies and straining healthcare systems, particularly in regions with poor infrastructure and limited resources.

How can the global health community ensure equitable distribution of vaccines during the embox virus outbreak?

Global health organizations like WHO and Gavi need to facilitate a fair sharing of resources and opportunities for controlling diseases. This includes encouraging wealthier nations to not stockpile vaccines to the extent that it deprives other countries of life-saving vaccines, especially those in Africa where the outbreak needs to be controlled.