The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the escalating outbreak of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several other African nations as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This decision, announced by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, highlights the urgent need for a coordinated global response to contain the spread of this concerning health threat.
The declaration followed a meeting of an independent IHR Emergency Committee, comprising global health experts who assessed data from WHO and the affected regions. The Committee’s consensus was clear: the rapid increase in Mpox cases in Africa, particularly with the emergence of a new viral strain in eastern DRC, demands immediate international attention and action.
Dr Tedros emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The emergence of a new clade of Mpox and its swift transmission in eastern DRC and neighbouring countries is deeply troubling. Combined with ongoing outbreaks of other Mpox clades, this situation underscores the necessity for a unified global response to prevent further spread and save lives.”
WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, echoed this sentiment: “Efforts to curb Mpox are well underway, with WHO teams working alongside local communities and governments. However, the virus’s increasing spread calls for enhanced international collaboration to bring these outbreaks to an end.”
Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the Emergency Committee, highlighted the outbreak’s global implications, stating, “The current surge of pox, coupled with a new sexually transmissible strain, poses a threat not only to Africa but to the world. It is crucial to act now to avoid repeating past mistakes.”
Key facts on Mpox
Signs and Symptoms
Mpox typically presents with symptoms that begin within a week of exposure, although they can appear anywhere from 1 to 21 days after. The illness generally lasts 2 to 4 weeks but may persist longer in individuals with weakened immune systems. Human-to-human transmission of the virus can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or mucous membrane lesions. This includes face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, or mouth-to-skin contact, as well as through respiratory droplets and possibly short-range aerosols requiring prolonged close contact. The virus enters the body through broken skin, mucosal surfaces (such as the mouth, throat, eyes, and genitals), or the respiratory tract.
The infectious period varies, but generally, patients are considered contagious until their skin lesions have crusted, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated clothing or linens that carry infectious skin particles, known as fomite transmission. If these particles are disturbed, they can become airborne, be inhaled, or land on broken skin or mucous membranes, potentially leading to infection.
Common symptoms include:
- Rash
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
For some, a rash is the first sign of Mpox, while others may experience different symptoms initially. The rash usually starts as a flat sore that progresses into a fluid-filled blister, which can be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the sores dry, crust over, and eventually fall off.
The severity and spread of the rash can vary significantly, with some individuals developing only a few lesions while others may experience hundreds. These lesions can appear anywhere on the body, including:
- Palms of the hands and soles of the feet
- Face, mouth, and throat
- Groin and genital areas
People with Mpox can become very sick. Their skin can become infected with bacteria, leading to abscesses or severe skin damage. They can pass the disease on to others until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
Recommendations for Linen Handling and Cleaning
Key Guidelines:
- Linens and Bedding: Carefully lift and roll linens and bedding to avoid dispersing infectious particles from lesions and body fluids. Do not shake them. Only the Mpox patient should handle and launder their bedding and clothing.
- Laundry: Linens, towels, and clothing used by the Mpox patient should be washed separately from other household laundry. These items can be reused after washing with soap and hot water (preferably above 60°C) or soaked in chlorine if hot water is unavailable.
- Dishes, Utensils, and Surfaces: Clean dishes, utensils, and household surfaces (such as furniture, beds, toilets, and floors) that the patient has come into contact with using soap and water. Disinfect regularly with a disinfectant such as Klorsept effervescent disinfection tablets, paying particular attention to frequently touched surfaces.
- Cleaning Methods: Use damp mopping instead of dry sweeping to prevent the spread of particles. Steam clean carpets and household furnishings where possible, and avoid vacuuming.
- Waste Disposal: Waste generated from caring for a Mpox patient, such as bandages and PPE, should be placed in strong bags and securely tied before disposal by municipal waste services. If such services are unavailable, interim measures like safe burial may be used according to local policies until more sustainable and environmentally friendly options are implemented.
Mpox is a serious viral infection requiring careful management and prevention strategies to curb its spread. With the emergence of a new viral strain in eastern DRC, the importance of early diagnosis through swab testing and timely vaccination, especially within four days of exposure, cannot be overstated. Effective management of symptoms, including proper care of skin lesions, pain management, and infection control, is crucial for recovery. Adhering to recommended hygiene practices, such as the safe handling and cleaning of contaminated items, is essential to prevent both human-to-human and environmental transmission.
By following these guidelines, communities can collectively minimize the impact of Mpox and safeguard public health.
