The rapid spread of Mpox, commonly known as Monkeypox, has led to the declaration of a public health emergency across the African continent.
This comes as the region grapples with over 15,000 confirmed cases and more than 500 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The outbreak has now spread to six African countries, including Liberia, where five cases have been confirmed in three counties since the beginning of 2024.
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has sounded the alarm, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) classification of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
This classification under the International Health Regulations (2005) underscores the urgency and severity of the outbreak, which has sparked fear and concern across Western and Central Africa.
Mpox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. The disease spreads through various channels, including direct skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact with infected bodily fluids or lesions, and respiratory droplets. It can also be transmitted through surfaces touched by an infected person or through contact with wild animals.
The symptoms of Mpox typically include fever, chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that resembles blisters or sores. The rash can appear on the face, hands, feet, groin, and genital or anal regions. In severe cases, patients may experience more widespread lesions, blood infections, or lung infections, which can be fatal, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.
Given the escalating situation, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has ramped up its surveillance and outbreak preparedness plans. The institute is working closely with the Ministry of Health to implement specific response mechanisms aimed at preventing the spread of Mpox in Liberia.
These measures include heightened monitoring at borders and ports of entry, increased public awareness campaigns, and rapid response teams ready to tackle any emerging cases.
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of NPHIL, emphasized the importance of public cooperation in controlling the outbreak. “We urge all Liberians to adhere to the recommended preventive measures, such as regular hand-washing, avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox, and seeking medical attention immediately if any symptoms are observed,” Dr. Nyan said.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared Mpox a continent-wide public health emergency, marking the first time the agency has exercised such power. This declaration is expected to facilitate better coordination and resource mobilization across African nations. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa CDC, stressed the importance of collective action in combating the outbreak.
“Today, I commit to you that African citizens will lead this fight with every resource at our disposal,” Kaseya said during a virtual press briefing. “We’ll work with governments, international partners, and local communities to ensure that every African, from the bustling cities to the remote areas, is protected.”
The Africa CDC’s declaration is also intended to prompt countries in the region to share timely information on Mpox’s spread, which will enable better access to financial aid and resources. However, the availability of Mpox vaccines remains a significant challenge. Despite the existence of vaccines, few have reached Africa, the only continent where the disease is endemic. The high cost of vaccines, at approximately $100 per dose, further complicates efforts to curb the outbreak.
The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and has outlined guidelines for managing the outbreak. While three types of vaccines are recommended for those who have had close contact with infected individuals, WHO does not currently recommend mass vaccination. Instead, the focus is on targeted vaccination efforts and preventive measures to contain the spread.
As the Mpox outbreak continues to unfold, health authorities across Africa, including Liberia, are on high alert. The situation demands swift action and international cooperation to prevent further spread and to protect vulnerable populations.
