The Growing Mpox Infections by Clade I Variant in African Countries Is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern: A Narrative Review

Background and aim: In 2022, the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern. The emergence of a new strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its identification with neighboring countries led to the declaration of a public health emergency in 2024. The objective is to focus on the recent outbreak that led to its declaration as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, assess the significant global public health threat posed by the newly identified class, and explore effective strategies to address this situation.

Methods: The present review searched information from databases (PubMed and Scopus), WHO, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The search methods followed database-specific criteria. Key terms included mpox, prevalence, public health emergency, treatment, new variant, prevention, and strategy. We reviewed and extracted information from the relevant literature.

Results: Mpox has been endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over a decade, with a consistent annual rise in reported cases. In August 2024, at least 13 African countries have confirmed 2,863 cases and 517 fatalities. The recent emergence and transmission of a new strain, which appears to be predominantly spreading through sexual networks, along with its identification in neighboring countries, raises significant concerns for public health.

Conclusion: The emergence of the new clade of mpox represents a critical public health challenge that necessitates immediate and coordinated global response efforts. By addressing the current outbreak comprehensively, we can mitigate its impact and safeguard public health across affected regions.