Mpox is not the next global pandemic like COVID-19, according to public health officials. But the spread of mpox is alarming health experts as it spreads to more countries in East Africa. The mpox epidemic must be addressed quickly and effectively in order to avoid a larger global spread.
With more than 17,000 suspected or confirmed cases and more than 500 deaths in at least 12 countries in Africa, the epidemic has already surpassed mpox outbreaks of previous years. But mpox can be contained through a combination of education, protection measures, prompt medical attention and coordinated action from local, national and international organizations. Here are some answers to common questions about mpox.
What is mpox and how is it spread?
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the mpox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus, which is related to smallpox but less severe. Previously known as ‘monkeypox’, the name was changed to mpox by the WHO in late 2022 due to stigma associated with its former name.
Mpox is not new. The first case in humans was recorded in 1970 and the disease is considered endemic in West and Central Africa. Historically there have been two broad variations or ‘clades’ of mpox:
- Clade 1: The oldest form of the virus, this variation typically causes more serious illness and death and is endemic in Central Africa. It is spread through contact with infected wild animals and through close human contact. Children seem to be more at risk.
- Clade 2: This clade caused a global mpox outbreak in 2022. Infections tend to be less severe. Reported cases since 2022 are mainly, but not exclusively, among men who have sex with men and their close contacts. This clade is endemic in West Africa.
In September 2023, a new clade emerged – clade 1b – which has rapidly spread in adults through sexual contact and in children through household contact, and is one of the main reasons for mpox being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Clade 1b has already spread to countries with no previous reported cases of mpox: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. A high number of clade 1b cases in DRC and Burundi are among children, demonstrating the disease isn’t only spreading through sexual contact.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
The most common clinical symptoms are rash, discomfort, sore throat, fever, lymph node swelling, skin lesions and lack of appetite.
Many patients have experienced a single lesion or sore in their mouth or on their genitals, which could be mistaken for herpes, syphilis, staph infection, or acne.
While mpox rash is typically more concentrated on the face, trunk, palms of the hands and soles of the feet, mouth or oral mucous lesions are found in up to 70 percent of cases.
Photo: Alioune Ndiaye/IFRC
How deadly is mpox?
“Most people fully recover from mpox, but some get very sick,” explains Gwen Eamer, IFRC Senior Officer for Public Health in Emergencies.
“People who exhibit symptoms should see a doctor, as medical attention and treatment can drastically reduce the severity of the infection.”
“Mpox can be a stigmatizing disease due to its physical appearance, but we should stay calm and be part of solution by working together to get the necessary resources and help to the people who need it most.”
Who is most at risk of severe illness from mpox?
People with suppressed immune systems, children, young adults who have not received a smallpox vaccine, and pregnant women are most at-risk of severe disease from mpox.
How can I protect myself from mpox?
To reduce your risks, stay informed and up-to-date on the signs and symptoms of mpox, how it spreads, and what to do if you get sick. You should also monitor the risk level in your area.
Mpox can be prevented by avoiding close contact, including sexual contact, with infected people and animals.
If you suspect you have mpox, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you are confirmed to have mpox:
- Follow medical advice, including taking any prescribed medication
- Inform people you have been in contact with, or follow contact tracing guidelines from your country’s health authorities
- Stay at home and avoid physical contact with other people until all scabs fall off and new skin forms underneath
- Cover lesions and wear a well-fitting mask when around other people
Watch this short Mpox explainer video on YouTube:
How serious is this mpox outbreak?
In mid-August, the WHO determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa is a ‘public health emergency of international concern’, requiring a coordinated international response.
“That does not mean this is going to be a pandemic like COVID-19,” Eamer adds. “But this is a call to action to dedicate the resources we have around the world to stop this where it is now.”
The situation is alarming with the rapid spread among newly at-risk populations, and to areas and countries that have never experienced mpox before.
The case fatality rate is also higher compared to the 2022 pandemic and it could increase if more children and other high-risk populations are infected, but decreases with early access to supportive treatment and vaccination.
What is the IFRC doing in response to the mpox outbreak?
The IFRC is ramping up response efforts over the surge of mpox cases across Africa. The IFRC has extensive experience managing previous disease outbreaks, such as Ebola and COVID-19.
With a vast network of more than 4 million volunteers and 14,000 staff across the continent, the IFRC network of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies is providing critical support to governments, including community-based surveillance, risk communication and community engagement, and mental health services.
The IFRC has also launched an CHF40 million regional emergency appeal to bolster mpox preparedness and response across Africa, with CHF 5 million provided through the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) as a loan to this regional emergency appeal. This funding will help us reach 30 million people in countries with an active outbreak, including DRC and neighbouring countries at high risk of the virus spreading further.
Photo: Alioune Ndiaye/IFRC
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country reporting the most mpox cases, how is the DRC Red Cross responding?
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Red Cross has been supporting the government response by sharing trusted and accurate health information with communities, conducting community-based surveillance to detect and report suspected cases, providing psychosocial support to affected people, and supporting with community-based health and hygiene promotion measures.
Through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) and the Programmatic Partnership the DRC Red Cross (with technical support from IFRC and French Red Cross) has been building health resilience in communities across the country for many years, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to quickly detect, prevent and respond to disease outbreaks. USAID has also provided additional funding since April to support the DRC Red Cross response to mpox.
What are Red Cross Societies in countries neighbouring DRC doing to control the outbreak?
National Societies in neighbouring countries are now responding to their first cases of mpox and are rapidly scaling support to communities. They are working to help detect and respond to new cases to reduce illness and deaths and limit the spread of the virus.
Burundi Red Cross is supporting their Ministry of Health to respond to the rapid increase in mpox cases with support from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).
I’m from a Red Cross or Red Crescent National Society, what mpox resources can I use within my community or country?
The IFRC’s Epidemic Control Toolkit provides guidance on evidence-based methods to prevent and control the spread of epidemics at the community-level, and guidance on appropriate referral and basic care for the sick.
Guidance on mpox for community volunteers and for response managers has been recently updated and is available in multiple languages.
In addition, here are some other helpful resources: