Outbreaks of monkeypox in parts of Africa have been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) out of international concern. The highly contagious disease known as monkeypox has killed at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.



• What is empox and what are its symptoms?


Although in the same family of viruses as smallpox, empox is usually much less harmful. First it was transferred from animal to human body. But now it spreads from person to person. Initial symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, swelling, back and muscle pain. Once the fever develops, the affected person may develop a rash. It usually starts from the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.


These extremely itchy or painful rashes change and go through several stages to become scabs or round thick layers that eventually fall off. This can cause scarring. It may resolve on its own within 14 to 21 days of infection.


But in some cases it is extremely fatal for vulnerable groups, including young children. Its attack can cause lesions all over the body including the face, eyes and genitals in severe cases.


• In which countries has empox spread?

Empox is most common in remote villages in tropical rainforest countries in West and Central Africa, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Thousands of people are infected and hundreds of people die every year in these areas, with children under the age of 15 being the most affected.


Multiple outbreaks are currently occurring simultaneously in many countries. Especially in Congo and its neighboring countries. The disease has recently been reported in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya; which is not usually seen there.


There are two types of motadag empox; Clade 1, which is generally more severe, and Clade 2. Clade 1 viruses have caused sporadic outbreaks in the Congo for decades and are now the widespread type.


Children tend to be more affected than adults in some types of clade 1. Many of those infected last year had a relatively new and more severe type of Mpox clade 1b, raising concerns.


Experts say much remains to be known about clade 1b. But it is believed to be more easily spread than the previous type. At the same time can cause more serious diseases. According to the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from the beginning of 2024 to the end of July, more than 14,500 people were infected with Mepox and more than 450 people died.


This number is 160 percent higher in infections and 19 percent higher in deaths than the same period in 2023. A public health emergency was previously declared in 2022 due to clade 2, a mild form of Mpox.


It has spread to about 100 countries where the virus is not normally found, such as Asia and Africa. However, it is brought under control by vaccination of vulnerable groups.




• How is empox spread?

It is spread from person to person through sexual intercourse, direct contact, or close contact such as talking or breathing near an infected person. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.


It can also be spread by touching objects such as bedding, clothing and towels that have been contaminated with the virus. Animals such as monkeys, rats and squirrels are infected and anyone who comes in close contact with an infected animal can also become infected.


During the 2022 global outbreak, the virus was mostly transmitted through sexual contact. A major cause of the current outbreak in Congo is sexual intercourse and close contact with an infected person.


Empox has been found in other vulnerable communities, including young children.


• Who is most at risk?

Anyone who comes into close contact with a person with symptoms, including health workers and family members, can contract the virus.


Experts are researching the situation to understand more about who is most at risk. Among them may be young children. Because on the one hand their immune system is weak, on the other hand many of the region are malnourished. As a result, it becomes more difficult for them to fight disease.


Some experts believe that young children may be at risk because of the way they play and interact with each other. They are not even receiving the smallpox vaccination that was discontinued more than four decades ago. As a result, older people may be somewhat protected due to previous vaccinations.


Anyone with a weakened immune system, especially pregnant women, is at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Avoid close contact with someone who has empox and wash your hands with soap and water if someone around you has the virus.


People with empox should be isolated from others until all wounds have healed. WHO says condoms should be used as a precaution during sexual intercourse for up to 12 weeks after recovery.


• Is there a vaccine for MPX?

There is a vaccine for MPX. But only those who are at risk or have been in contact with an infected person can get it. The concern, however, is that there are insufficient funds to reach all those who need the vaccine.


The WHO has recently ordered drug manufacturers to offer the Mpox vaccine for emergency use, even if it is not officially approved.


And now that Africa's CDC has declared a continent-wide 'public health emergency', the hope is that governments will be able to better coordinate their response and maximize the flow of medical supplies and aid to affected areas. Without global action, there are concerns that the current outbreak could spread beyond the continent. BBC Bengali.