The mpox outbreak in Africa has escalated dramatically, with cases surging by 160% in the past year, prompting the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to consider declaring a continental public health emergency. With over 15,000 confirmed and suspected cases reported this year, and 461 deaths, the situation is dire, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which accounts for more than 90% of the cases. The virus, similar to smallpox, causes painful rashes and flu-like symptoms and is spreading rapidly across borders.

The New Strain: A Growing Threat

A new, more virulent strain of mpox has emerged in the DRC, raising concerns about its potential to spread more easily. The shortage of vaccines in Africa is a significant challenge, with only 200,000 doses available compared to a demand of at least 10 million. This shortage contrasts sharply with the West, where the spread of the disease has been largely controlled through vaccination.

Global and Regional Responses

The World Health Organization (WHO) is also on high alert, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus considering whether to declare a global emergency. The African Union has already allocated $10.4 million to support efforts to combat the outbreak, emphasizing the need for a collective and collaborative approach to curb the disease’s spread.

The mpox outbreak in Africa is a growing crisis that threatens to become a global health emergency. With a new, more dangerous strain of the virus and significant vaccine shortages, the international community must act swiftly to prevent a potential pandemic.

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