The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the recent surge in ampox cases, spreading to 116 countries, a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

This PHEIC declaration is the second in two years related to mpox.

The announcement by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, followed the advice of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee, composed of independent experts, who reviewed data submitted by the World Health Organisation and affected countries.

The committee concluded that the rapid spread of ampox, particularly the new clade 1b strain in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries, “requires an urgent and coordinated international response.”

The rise of the sexually transmitted type of ampox, particularly clade 1B, is causing concern among health experts.

Professor Dimi Ogoina, Chair of the IHR Emergency Committee, stressed the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The current outbreak of ampox in parts of Africa is an emergency, not only for Africa but for the whole world. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.”

The disease, caused by an Orthopoxvirus, was first detected in humans in the DRC in 1970 and is endemic in central and western African countries.

Last year, the DRC experienced a surge in cases of ampox, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.

The rapid spread of clade 1B, particularly through sexual transmission, has led to it being detected in neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, marking the first time that cases of ampox have been reported in these countries.

In response to the crisis, the World Health Organization is accelerating efforts to increase vaccine access, particularly in low-income countries.

Everything you need to know about Mpox

Ampox, formerly called monkeypox, is a zoonotic virus. It can spread from animals to humans.

The virus that causes it belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes smallpox. It is a brick-shaped virus that spreads primarily through direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs, or body fluids. The disease is severe but generally milder than smallpox.

Speaking to IndiaToday.in, Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, senior consultant, infectious diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said that though there is a huge potential for Mpox to become a pandemic, the perception is that it is less likely than Covid-19.

“Unlike COVID-19, which spreads easily from person to person through the air, AmPox spreads primarily through direct contact with the infectious rash or body fluids,” Dr Panda said.

This vector of infection generally requires close contact, making control easier. In addition, existing smallpox vaccines provide some protection against ampox, serving as a valuable tool in prevention.

Besides, it is less toxic than smallpox, but its serious health implications have also been taken into consideration, Dr Panda said.

How dangerous is Mpox?

Although most people recover within a few weeks, some, such as people with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women, are more likely to develop severe illness with complications such as skin infections, eye problems, encephalitis, and pneumonia.

According to Dr Panda, although the mortality rate for ampox is lower than that of smallpox, it still means that preventive measures must be taken and medical care must be provided at the first signs and symptoms of infection.

He said that is why ampox is not considered fatal for most people.

Is there a vaccine available?

The European Medicines Agency has approved tecovirimat (an antiviral medicine originally developed to treat smallpox) for the treatment of ampox in exceptional circumstances.

Three vaccines developed for smallpox, MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac, have been approved for the prevention of smallpox.

The World Health Organisation has expedited the process for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for Mpox vaccines, which will speed up their distribution through partners such as Gavi and UNICEF.