Vaccination has started in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The DRC, epicenter of the Mpox epidemic, officially began its vaccination campaign on Saturday October 5, 2024, with priority given to health professionals in Goma, in the east of the country. The campaign, initially planned earlier, was delayed due to difficulties in transporting doses in this vast country. Health authorities, supported by the World Health Organization, hope to contain an epidemic which has already caused more than 30,000 infections and nearly 990 deaths this year. The country received 265,000 doses from the United States, but the needs remain much higher, especially since vaccination is, for the moment, only intended for adults. Additional supply, particularly for children, is under discussion with Japan.
- What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, similar to that of smallpox. It was first identified in humans in 1970 in the DRC, and is now endemic in parts of central and west Africa. We say “The” Mpox for “The Mpox virus”
- How is the virus transmitted?
Mpox is transmitted primarily by direct contact with skin lesions, body fluids or contaminated objects, as well as respiratory droplets. Although it is less contagious than chickenpox or the flu, close contact can be enough to cause infection. The virus can also spread from infected animals to humans in some areas where it is present in wildlife. - What are the dangers of this disease?
Mpox can cause serious symptoms, including painful rash, fever, and muscle aches. In some cases, it can cause severe complications, including skin, lung or brain infections. Young children, immunocompromised people, and sometimes pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. Nearly 10% of people affected in certain regions die from this disease. - Where is Mpox most prevalent?
The disease is endemic in Central and West Africa, but has recently experienced global expansion, with cases reported in Europe and North America. Localized outbreaks were observed, but these were quickly brought under control thanks to strict control measures, particularly in Europe. - An update on vaccination
Vaccination against Mpox is still in the development phase, but vaccines initially designed against smallpox have proven effective. In the DRC, the current campaign uses doses manufactured by Bavarian Nordic, intended for adults. Other vaccines, such as the one approved by Japan, could be used in children in the near future. However, at this time, mass vaccination is not recommended and is focused on people at risk or in close contact with confirmed cases.
To obtain information, choose verified information, on international health sites such as the WHO for example. After the covid episode, a lot of misinformation is circulating on this subject.
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