WHO warns: Monkeypox outbreak, cases concentrated in Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the ongoing global outbreak of monkeypox (MPO) in all its variants, highlighting the increased risk of community spread if the response to the outbreak is not swift. Recent data shows that in October, 44 countries reported confirmed cases, with the vast majority (75%) of these infections concentrated in Africa, necessitating a global health mobilization.
Over the past six weeks, the organization has detected active transmission of the virus in 21 African countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo tops the list of the most affected countries, followed by Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. The threat is not limited to the African continent, as Greece reported its first case of the Ib genotype, while countries such as Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom have detected imported cases carrying the same genotype. Meanwhile, transmission continues in other countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the United States, and Malaysia.
Historical context and virus evolution
To understand the seriousness of the current situation, it is essential to revisit the historical roots of the disease. Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease first discovered in 1958 in monkeys used for research, while the first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For many years, the virus remained primarily confined to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. However, the global outbreak in 2022 marked a turning point, as the virus spread to countries that had never before reported cases, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Future impacts and risks
The current outbreak has serious implications that extend beyond the immediate health dimension. Regionally in Africa, the surge in cases is placing immense pressure on already strained health systems, hindering development efforts and health stability. Internationally, the emergence of new genotypes, such as the Ib variant, and their cross-border transmission confirm that the virus is evolving in ways that could increase its spread or the severity of its symptoms.
Experts warn that delays in providing vaccines and strengthening epidemiological surveillance programs could lead to the disease becoming endemic in new geographic areas, threatening global health security and potentially reviving the lockdowns and health restrictions the world is trying to avoid. Therefore, the organization emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to ensure equitable vaccine distribution and support affected countries in containing the virus at its source.
