Ongoing Clade I Monkeypox Outbreak In Democratic Republic of Congo Sparks Concern As Lots Of Children Getting Infected!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 13, 2024 8 months, 4 weeks, 1 day, 15 hours, 54 minutes ago
Monkeypox News: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently facing a significant outbreak of Clade I Monkeypox virus (MPXV), with reports indicating alarming rates of infection, particularly among children.
Clade I Monkeypox Outbreak In Democratic Republic of Congo
Sparks Concern As Lots Of Children Getting Infected!
A recent observational study conducted in the city of Kamituga sheds light on the severity of the situation. Published on March 5, 2024, the study revealed staggering figures, with 21,630 suspected cases of MPXV and 1,003 deaths recorded between 2022 and January 2024. Shockingly, approximately 85% of the fatalities were children under the age of 15, underscoring the vulnerability of this demographic.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.05.24303395v1.full
Since February and early March 2024, health authorities in DRC have confirmed that cases are still rising at exponential rates. Due to lack of proper diagnostics and access to healthcare, experts speculate that there are could be anything between 2500 to 5,500 new cases of monkeypox infections for the month of February 2024 in the DRC!
Examining the Transmission Routes
The outbreak has raised concerns as it signifies a notable shift in transmission routes, with heterosexual activity now identified as a potential means of spread. This development marks a departure from previous outbreaks and presents new challenges in containment efforts. Dr Ayoade Alakija, Chair of the Board at FIND, expressed deep alarm over the situation, highlighting the lack of comprehensive testing for MPXV and HIV, which complicates the assessment of the outbreak's severity and underlying comorbidities.
https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/as-deadly-mpox-virus-outbreak-emerges-a-lack-of-diagnostic-testing-capacity-is-putting-children-at-risk?lang=en
He told
Monkeypox News journalists, “The monkeypox situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is deeply alarming, and the lack of tests for monkeypox , HIV and other disease such as Ebola, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), etc ….means it's unclear just how bad the monkeypox situation is and what the underlying comorbidities are.”
Monkeypox: A Brief Overview
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease, akin to smallpox but generally milder in nature, primarily found in remote regions of Central and West Africa. The virus typically spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact with infected individuals, or contact with bodily fluids from lesions or sores. While historically rare, the potential for a global outbreak remains a significant concern, necessitating swift and effective response measures.
trong>Past And Current Situation and Challenges
The current outbreak in the DRC has garnered attention due to its association with Clade I MPXV, which exhibits a higher mortality rate and greater resistance to treatments compared to Clade II. Health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are closely monitoring the situation and providing support to the DRC government in containment efforts. Vaccination campaigns and surveillance activities are underway to stem the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations.
In May 2022, the MPVX clade II outbreak sparked global concern, particularly affecting men, with 93,497 cases across 118 locations.
As of March 5, 2024, the United States alone recorded 32,063 confirmed monkeypox cases, resulting in 58 deaths
Battling the Outbreak: Control Measures and Interventions
Efforts to control the outbreak extend beyond medical interventions to encompass public awareness and education campaigns. Recognizing the importance of early detection and prevention, healthcare professionals and public health authorities are actively engaged in disseminating information about the symptoms, transmission routes, and preventive measures associated with Monkeypox. This includes raising awareness about avoiding contact with infected animals and adopting hygienic practices to minimize the risk of transmission.
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Symptoms of Monkeypox typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by the development of a rash that progresses through various stages before resolving. Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment, which can help reduce the severity of the illness and prevent complications.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing Monkeypox hinges on proactive measures to minimize exposure to the virus. This includes avoiding contact with animals known to carry the virus, refraining from consuming meat from sick or dead animals, and practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and proper wound care. Additionally, vaccination campaigns targeting at-risk populations play a vital role in controlling the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable individuals from infection.
Monkey Pox Vaccine
During the clade II outbreak, the JYNNEOS® vaccine was widely used in affected countries. The U.S. CDC, in a December 7, 2023 Health Advisory, anticipated similar effectiveness of JYNNEOS against clade I as seen with clade II. The CDC's vaccine committee, in October 2023, reported JYNNEOS's effectiveness against monkeypox clade II ranging from 36% - 75% for one dose and 66% - 89% for two doses. However, the European CDC noted in December 2023 that real-world effectiveness data for JYNNEOS is insufficient.
However, the DRC and also the rest of Africa is lacking sufficient stocks of the JYNNEOS® vaccine due to financial reasons.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
In conclusion, the ongoing Clade I Monkeypox outbreak in the DRC underscores the urgent need for concerted action to curb transmission and safeguard public health. By enhancing awareness, strengthening surveillance systems, and implementing targeted interventions, stakeholders can work together to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. While the road ahead may be challenging, collective efforts offer hope in the fight against Monkeypox, reaffirming the resilience and determination of communities to overcome health threats and protect the well-being of all.
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