By Amber Roman
May 5, 2024, 9:00 PM EDT
Congo is facing its biggest health challenge to date with an unprecedented outbreak of mox, a viral disease that has claimed nearly 300 lives and infected more than 4,500 people since January, according to data provided by the World Health Organization ( WHO).
This alarming increase in cases, tripling the previous year’s figures for the same period, has led the country to declare the outbreak a national health emergency.
The epicenter of this crisis is in Kamituga, a mining town in eastern Congo, where detailed analysis revealed a new variant of the virus that could have a more efficient capacity to spread among the population.
Dr. Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, leader of the research, warns that this mutation is a result of the continued transmission of the virus between humans, even in areas where contact with wild animals, traditionally associated with the disease, is limited.
The characteristics of this new variant present additional challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Unlike previous outbreaks, where lesions were most evident on the chest, hands and feet, they are now mainly seen on the genitals, complicating early detection of the disease.
However, Dr Mbala-Kingebeni highlights that this form appears to have a lower mortality rate, raising questions about the evolution of the virus and its impact on public health.
Transmission of mox, previously thought to occur primarily through contact with animals or the environment, has been shown to be largely linked to sexual activity, with approximately one-third of cases associated with female sex workers. This change in transmission dynamics has led to a reevaluation of disease prevention and control strategies.
Infectious disease experts are warning about the seriousness of the situation, noting that a lack of widespread testing could be contributing to a silent spread of the disease. Dr. Boghuma Titanji of Emory University emphasizes the importance of adapting testing strategies to detect emerging mutations of the virus and contain its spread.
The challenge is compounded by the lack of access to vaccines and effective treatments in the Congo. Although vaccines have been authorized in high-risk provinces, availability remains limited, and discussions with donor countries are ongoing to ensure adequate supply. Congo Monkeypox Response Committee coordinator Cris Kacita Osako says once supplies are secured, vaccination campaigns will be implemented as an integral part of the crisis response.
The current landscape evokes historical concerns about the management of emerging diseases and the need for coordinated action at the national and international levels. Dr Dimie Ogoina of Niger Delta University compares the spread of mox to the early days of HIV, highlighting the importance of addressing prejudice and stigmatization associated with sexually transmitted diseases.
Dr Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies chief, warns of a lack of funding to address the crisis, underscoring the urgency of a coordinated global response. As the mox outbreak continues to spread across Africa and beyond, the international community faces the difficult task of containing an evolving disease and protecting the health and well-being of affected communities.
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