Media Wire Express Correspondent
The East African Community (EAC) has issued a call to its eight member states to intensify public education on the prevention and protection against mpox (monkeypox) following a recent outbreak in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the spread of mpox in these regions.
Rising Cases in Burundi and DRC
Burundi has confirmed three mpox cases in its western region, with the diagnoses verified by national laboratories and the WHO. Meanwhile, the DRC faces a severe outbreak with over 27,000 reported cases and more than 1,100 deaths, predominantly among children, since early 2023. The new variant, Clade Ib, identified in the DRC, has shown higher transmissibility through close contact, particularly affecting densely populated areas like displacement camps around Goma.
Regional Implications
The DRC, sharing borders with five EAC member states—Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan—poses a significant risk of cross-border transmission. Kenya and Somalia, also part of the EAC, are on high alert. Health officials stress the urgency for widespread public awareness and preventive measures to curb the disease’s spread.
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Understanding Mpox
Mpox, an infectious disease caused by the mpox virus, manifests with symptoms such as skin rashes, fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, back pain, general body weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms typically last two to four weeks. The virus spreads from animals to humans and between people through close contact, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets. While most cases are mild, severe cases and fatalities can occur, especially among children.
EAC’s Preventive Measures
The EAC has outlined the following preventive measures for member states:That is to firstly launch education campaigns to inform citizens about mpox symptoms and prevention,Strengthen disease surveillance systems for early detection and isolation of cases,ensure adequate medical facilities and resources for managing outbreaks,while advocating for vaccination, focusing on high-risk areas.
However,efforts to control the outbreak face multiple challenges, including stigma, regulatory hurdles, and limited access to vaccines and treatments. The recent approval of two mpox vaccines in the DRC is a significant step forward, but funding and international collaboration are essential for effective deployment.
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