The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called for urgent and robust measures to contain a growing mpox outbreak in southern Ethiopia. The situation is particularly concerning because of the potential for the virus to spread across borders, especially given the close proximity of the affected area to neighboring countries.
Ethiopia reported its first case of mpox on May 25, when a 21-day-old infant tested positive in Moyale, a town near the Kenyan border. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has increased to six, with three additional cases announced recently by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health. The location of Moyale is especially sensitive because it lies near the border with Somalia, a country facing numerous challenges that could complicate efforts to control the outbreak.
Africa CDC’s chief of staff and head of the Executive Office expressed serious concern over the outbreak’s potential to escalate and spread into Somalia and beyond. He emphasized the need for bold and aggressive action to control the outbreak at its source before it can expand regionally. This call to action highlights the urgent need for coordinated cross-border health interventions to prevent the virus from spreading further into vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations.
Since the start of the mpox outbreak last year, the African continent has recorded a total of 139,233 suspected cases, with 34,824 confirmed cases and approximately 1,788 deaths linked to the disease. These figures underscore the serious impact mpox continues to have across multiple African countries, making containment efforts a top priority for health authorities.
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the mpox virus, which is known to cause a painful rash and other flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and fatigue. While most individuals infected with mpox recover fully, some can become severely ill, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
Transmission of mpox occurs mainly through close contact with an infected person. This can include direct skin-to-skin contact with the rash or lesions, as well as contact involving the mouth and respiratory secretions. The virus can spread through face-to-face interactions, where respiratory droplets may be inhaled, and through contact with contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing.
The incubation period for mpox ranges from 1 to 21 days, with symptoms typically appearing within a week of exposure. The illness usually lasts between two to four weeks but can extend longer in individuals with compromised immunity.
Symptoms of mpox often start with fever, muscle aches, and sore throat, followed by the appearance of a rash. In some cases, the rash is the first symptom to appear. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also develop in areas that had direct contact with an infected person, such as the genitals.
The rash progresses through stages starting as flat sores that then turn into fluid-filled blisters, which may be itchy or painful. Over time, these lesions dry up, crust over, and eventually fall off, often leaving scars.
Given the current outbreak in southern Ethiopia and the proximity to other vulnerable regions, health authorities are urged to intensify surveillance, provide timely diagnosis, and ensure effective isolation of cases to limit transmission. Community engagement and public education are critical to help people recognize symptoms early and seek medical care promptly.
Strengthening cross-border cooperation among neighboring countries is essential to monitor movement and prevent further spread. Enhanced resources and support for healthcare facilities in affected areas will also be crucial in managing and containing the outbreak effectively.
In summary, the mpox outbreak in southern Ethiopia represents a significant public health challenge with the risk of regional spread. Aggressive and coordinated response efforts are vital to curb the virus and protect vulnerable populations across East Africa.
