What you need to know about the increased risk of the Mpox virus during the public health emergency in Africa.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared mpox (formerly monkeypox) a public health emergency.

The Associated Press reported that the African agency warned of an increase in the disease throughout the continent and the potential for the virus to spread across international borders.

Despite mpox being detected in 13 African countries, over 96% of all cases and deaths have occurred in Congo.

According to AP, the Africa CDC reported a 160% increase in overall cases and a 19% increase in deaths compared to the previous year.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden announced on Thursday that a person was infected with the highly infectious mpox, which is currently spreading in Africa, during a stay in that region.

In contrast to the 2022 epidemic, where mpox was mainly transmitted through close contact (including sexual activity) among gay and bisexual men, recent data from Africa reveal that children under 15 years old account for more than 70% of cases and 85% of deaths in Congo.

An infectious diseases expert at Emory University, Dr. Boghuma Titanji, stated through AP that the reason behind children being "disproportionately affected" in Congo is currently "unclear."

It could be due to children being more susceptible to the virus, overcrowding in social situations, or exposure to parents who have mpox, as she hypothesized.

A new strain

Scientists are concerned about the transmission of a new form of mpox in Congo that can kill up to 10% of people and may spread more easily, according to AP reports.

Unlike traditional mpox, which causes lesions on the chest, hands and feet, the new strain causes milder symptoms with lesions on genitalia, making it harder to spot.

This month, the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus contemplated declaring mpox a global emergency due to the rising cases in Africa.

The WHO head opted to consult with independent experts to reach a pending decision.

The WHO has announced the release of $1.45 million from its emergency fund to aid the mpox response in Africa.

According to AP, Congo is in touch with donors about vaccine contributions and has received financial assistance from Britain and the U.S.

In 2024, the U.N. health agency reported over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths, surpassing the previous year's numbers.

The WHO declared that mpox was no longer an international emergency in May 2023, as cases decreased by 90% for three consecutive months.

The vaccine was credited by Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Planet Chronicle senior medical analyst, for ending the outbreak.

"Ring vaccination, which involves vaccinating those close to monkeypox cases, was effective, according to him," he said in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital last year.

He emphasized the importance of public education and awareness of risk factors.

What is mpox?

Those who contracted the disease two years ago were hit with jarring symptoms.

During the initial outbreak, Siegel informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the disease results in a "painful" rash that may cause scarring.

The CDC stated that although the virus is related to the family that causes smallpox, it is not connected to chickenpox.

The rash in mpox patients typically progresses through stages and can appear within one to three days, according to the agency.

In addition to a sore throat, symptoms may include a headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, fever, backache, swollen lymph nodes, and chills.

The disease known as mpox is categorized as a "zoonotic disease," which implies that it can be transmitted from animals to humans and can be found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals in regions where the virus is prevalent.

The CDC advises against close contact with individuals or animals that may transmit mpox to prevent its spread.

It is important for the public to be aware of preventative measures to avoid contracting the virus through sex, social gatherings, or contaminated materials.

The CDC highlights that those with weakened immune systems, infants under one year old, individuals with a history of eczema, and pregnant women are at the highest risk of developing severe disease.

A two-dose vaccine called JYNNEOS is available for protection against mpox and smallpox.

If a patient has had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox, has a sexual partner who was diagnosed with mpox in the last two weeks, is a man having sex with other men, or is in a related, high-risk scenario, the CDC recommends vaccinations against mpox.

This report was contributed to by Planet Chronicle Digital's Melissa Rudy and Sarah Rumph-Whitten, as well as Deirdre Reilly and the Associated Press.