The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about a dangerous strain of monkeypox virus spreading in Congo, with a mortality rate of up to 10%. John Claude Udahemuka, a professor at the University of Rwanda, stated that this new strain is highly contagious and has mutations of the monkeypox branch I that has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo for many years. This strain is considered particularly dangerous, with a mortality rate of about 5% in adults and 10% in children, compared to the old strain which had a mortality rate of about 1%.
Statistics from the United Nations health agency indicate that since the beginning of the year, there have been approximately 8,600 cases of monkeypox in Congo, resulting in 410 deaths. Concerns have been raised that the epidemic in Congo could potentially spread to other countries. The new strain is believed to be spreading through sexual contact, especially among sex workers, with researchers also studying transmission routes from caregivers to children. The disease can also lead to miscarriages in women, as well as rashes and other symptoms.
Monkeypox is a viral disease that is transmitted through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled bumps. Although most cases have mild symptoms, the disease can still be fatal. WHO projects that between 2021-2023, there will be 92,000 infections and 167 deaths from monkeypox globally, mainly affecting men who have sex with men and individuals with multiple partners.
The initial cases of monkeypox were concentrated in the US and some European countries, prompting the United Nations health agency to declare a public health emergency. Vietnam reported its first case of monkeypox in October 2022, with the Ministry of Health recording more than 68 cases and 6 deaths by the beginning of the year. Most of the patients had a history of HIV infection. Several other localities have also reported cases of monkeypox.
Overall, monkeypox poses a significant public health challenge, with experts urging vigilance and preventative measures to limit its spread and impact on vulnerable populations.