What is mpox and how can we prevent its spread?

author: Karry | Engineer of International Sales | UTECH

2024-09-02

What is mpox?

Mpox is a virus found primarily in central and western Africa that can infect humans and animals. Last year, a more severe strain of the disease—known as clade 1b—was identified in the DRC and is now spreading rapidly across the region.

The DRC has recorded more than 12,000 suspected mpox cases and 447 deaths between January and mid-July 2024. The disease has also spread to other countries where the IRC operates including Burundi, Kenya and Uganda—and to Europe.

Symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion and a distinctive rash that can look like pimples or blisters. Previous outbreaks of clade 1 mpox have had a mortality rate of 10%.
Mpox can spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, as well as through direct contact with materials contaminated by the virus.

Who is most vulnerable to mpox?

The CDC warns that people with weakened immune systems, young children, individuals with a history of eczema and those who are pregnant are particularly at risk of mpox. The IRC is also deeply concerned about the wellbeing of displaced people, who often lack access to the water, sanitation and health care facilities needed to prevent the spread of disease and stay safe.

How is the IRC responding to mpox outbreaks?

The IRC is monitoring the mpox outbreak in Africa and has launched responses in the DRC and Burundi. Our teams are also preparing to scale up our response in countries like Kenya and Uganda if necessary.

Meeting the needs of displaced communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC is bearing the brunt of the global mpox outbreak. Protracted displacement and a weakened health system have created conditions conducive to the rapid spread of the virus.

“As of August 12, 2024, the North Kivu Ministry of Health had reported 300 suspected cases and 54 confirmed cases, including 21 cases in three camps [housing displaced communities]. In the face of these challenges—lack of awareness about Mpox among the population, the absence of prevention mechanisms, and the shortage of on-the-ground actors—the IRC is conducting awareness-raising activities and measures to prevent and control the spread of infection,” says Heather Kerr, IRC country director in DRC.

The IRC’s response will focus on supporting displaced people living in three camps near the city of Goma in eastern DRC.

Our efforts will include:

1)Raising awareness of steps to prevent the spread of disease
2)Collaborating with community groups and training local leaders to ensure widespread dissemination of critical information
3)Increasing medical referrals for people with mpox-like symptoms
4)Supplying hygiene kits to help people prevent and control infections
Learn more about our work in the DRC.

How can I help prevent the spread of mpox?

The IRC is on the ground supporting communities affected by mpox in the DRC and Burundi. We are monitoring the spread of the disease and are prepared to scale up our services in places like Kenya and Uganda—where the IRC is already providing support.

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