Mpox Outbreak in DRC: Monkeypox Virus Causes Turmoil and Distress – Medriva

In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a deadly outbreak of a disease known as mpox is causing turmoil and distress. The disease, also known as monkeypox, has claimed many lives, with a reported 12,569 cases and nearly 600 fatalities between 1 January and 12 November 2023. Despite the availability of vaccines and treatments, stigma, regulatory impediments, and the presence of other concurrent disease outbreaks have hindered the response to this growing health crisis.

The ongoing mpox outbreak in the DRC is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is typically transmitted to humans through bites or direct contact with an infected animals blood, body fluids, or cutaneous/mucosal lesions. Interestingly, this outbreak involves a different clade of the mpox virus that reportedly causes more severe disease. For the first time, sexual transmission of this strain is playing a significant role, particularly among men who have sex with men.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the situation in Congo, warning that the current outbreak presents a significant risk of international spread. The virus spread widely outside of Africa last year, primarily among men who have sex with men. Clade 1 mpox virus, which is currently prevalent in Congo, has a higher fatality rate than the version that spread internationally last year.

Unfortunately, the response to the outbreak has been hindered by several factors. The stigma associated with the disease, particularly due to its sexual transmission, has created barriers to prevention and control. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the DRC is described as hostile to homosexual activities, which could hamper efforts to curb the spread of the disease. Additionally, regulatory hurdles and the governments lack of urgency in responding to the outbreak have been widely criticized. The DRC has not requested to buy or applied for donations of vaccines and treatments, leaving these potentially life-saving resources unused outside the country.

SIGA Technologies, a leading pharmaceutical company, suggests that its antiviral drug TPOXX may be easier to deploy compared to the vaccine. However, this treatment has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

The mpox outbreak in the DRC highlights the global issue of unequal access to vaccines, a concern that has been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DRCs struggle to utilize available vaccines and treatments underscores the critical importance of addressing these disparities and improving global health infrastructure.

As the mpox outbreak in the DRC continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation, accessible healthcare, and the dismantling of stigma and discrimination in the face of health crises. With the right actions and global support, it is hoped that the spread of this deadly disease can be curbed and countless lives saved.

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Mpox Outbreak in DRC: Monkeypox Virus Causes Turmoil and Distress - Medriva