Mpox Outbreak Spreads to Pakistan Amid Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization's declaration of a global public health emergency for mpox, marking the second such alert in two years, has raised concerns about a new strain of the virus that is spreading beyond Africa. The current outbreak, which started in January 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has reached 12 other countries in the region and has now been confirmed in Sweden. A case in Pakistan, reported on Friday, has also raised alarm, though the specific strain has not yet been identified.
What Makes This Outbreak Different?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection characterized by painful lesions. It is spread through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated items like clothing or bedding. The virus is classified into two distinct groups: clade I and clade II.
The 2022 outbreak was caused by clade II, which led to around 100,000 cases worldwide. However, the current outbreak involves a version of clade I, a strain that has been found to be more transmissible and potentially more severe than clade II.
A Deadlier Strain?
Experts are concerned about the potential for further international spread of clade I. Anne Rimoin, an epidemiology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, stated, “We should have learned a lesson from 2022 that an infection anywhere is potentially an infection everywhere.”
Historically, mpox has spread in a few ways: through close contact with an infected person, via contaminated materials, and through contact with infected animals. In 2022, the version of clade II that spread globally was primarily passed through sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men.
However, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, clade Ib has also been spreading through sexual contact among female sex workers and men who have sex with men. Research that hasn’t yet been published or peer reviewed linked an outbreak in an eastern mining town in Congo to professional sex work in bars.
While clade I has been known to be more deadly than clade II, with fatality rates of up to 10%, more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates. In the current Congo outbreak, over 1,200 people have died out of an estimated 22,000 cases, resulting in a fatality rate of just above 5%. In comparison, clade II outbreaks in Africa have generally had a mortality rate of around 1%, and just 0.2% of cases linked to the 2022 global outbreak were fatal.
Public Health Concerns in Pakistan
The discovery of a confirmed mpox case in Pakistan has triggered a wave of concern, particularly regarding the potential presence of the more easily spread and potentially more severe clade I variant. The Ministry of Health in Pakistan is actively working to determine the specific strain involved in the latest case, with samples sent to Islamabad for genetic sequencing.
In response to the threat, Pakistan has implemented heightened screening measures at airports and border crossings, including Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed, the prime minister’s coordinator on national health, has stated that the country has enough vaccine kits available. He emphasized, “There is no point to panic. We don’t foresee any emergency related to the infection.”
A Call for Global Collaboration
The WHO’s declaration of a global health emergency for mpox underscores the need for a coordinated international effort to control the spread of the virus. The organization has advised against travel restrictions and border closures, arguing that they are ineffective and should be avoided. Instead, the focus should be on increasing research funding, bolstering health systems, and accelerating the rollout of measures to contain the outbreak. The international community must work together to address this emerging health threat and protect global health security.
Mpox: A Growing Concern
The mpox virus is a growing concern worldwide. While cases have been reported in various countries, the emergence of the more transmissible and potentially more severe clade I variant has raised alarm bells. As of now, the strain involved in the Pakistani case remains unknown, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and research. The global health community must remain vigilant and prepared to address this ongoing public health emergency.
The Future of Mpox
The evolution of mpox and its potential for further global spread remain a concern. It is crucial to monitor the situation closely, conduct extensive research, and implement effective control measures. International cooperation is essential to mitigate the impact of this virus and safeguard global health.
